The US Navy Mark V is arguably the most iconic helmet design ever made. Its style and history have made it one of the most popular helmets among collectors worldwide. The model was made for the US Navy from 1916 till the mid-1980s. After the US Navy adopted the Mark 12 helmet for use, there were still three makers of the Mark V helmet for commercial and recreational use, Morse & DESCO (Diving Equipment and Supply Co) and recently Schrader.

This helmet was made by one of those famed and iconic manufacturers of the 20th and 21st Centuries, the Diving Equipment & Supply Company (DESCO). Located in Milwaukee, WI this company would start making diving helmets and related equipment in the late 1930s. Starting in 1943 they become a supplier to the US Navy, including the Mark V helmet. DESCO is still in business today making the highest quality helmets and offering repair services.

The helmet was made during the month of January in 1945, likely on the 15th. At some point in the helmets life the DESCO ID plate was removed for unknown reasons, possibly damaged? A replacement ID plate from the Morse Diving Equipment Company was installed. The original brass rivets from the DESCO ID plate are still present below the Morse one. The serial number 2110 was stamped into the plate as well as a date of 2-2-42, which is incorrect. If so desired, this helmet could be sent back to DESCO today and a replacement ID plate applied.

As can be seen in the photos, the helmet is in very nice original condition. Many people do not realize that Mark Vs made for the US Navy required that they have a tinning covering the entire copper body. This tinning prevented saltwater corrosion. This tinning gives the helmet the grey finish you see. The tinning is not applied to the brass hardware, such as the brails and window guards. This helmet is what a DESCO Mark V looks like after seventy-seven years of little use and being preserved!

Securely mounted inside the bonnet is the WWII reproducer with a US Navy inspection stamp. In addition, the communication elbow fitting with a short length of communications wire is present. Other original components intact are the four brails, 12 wing nuts, spitcock valve, exhaust valve and chin button, air vents, and glass. The safety lock on the bonnet is broken off. Replacements can be ordered from DESCO. The safety latch, cotter pin and chain are present. The top peak of the bonnet are two soldered bolts. It is possible this helmet had a handle attached to the top and then later removed. The heaver Mark V mixed gas helmets utilized a ring on top of the bonnet to aid the diver when standing out of water.

The helmets bonnet and breastplate are serial numbers matching. DESCO placed the serial number on both inside neck rings and ID plate. The spun copper body of the helmet is in wonderful condition with no notable dents. The communications cup does feature a US Navy inspection stamp on it. This stamp was typically placed on the ID plate for DESCO helmets.

While this Mark V does have a couple of modifications that can be remedied, it is still a beautiful original serial number matching example!

All diving helmets in this auction will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Nations Attic. The certificate will have a unique number that will match the number on a tamperproof hologram decal placed inside the helmet. This information will be kept on permanent file at Nations Attic and help ensure the provenance of the helmet and authenticity. The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one after the auction will be provided.

All items will be shipped with a signature required upon delivery and full insurance either via FedEx or the USPS Priority Mail. Worldwide shipping is available; however, no ocean freight will be offered on large items. DHL Express is an option for international shipments under 600 pounds via air. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.