This is an incredibly rare and impressive United States Navy Mark V mixed gas or helium diving helmet! This 100% authentic helmet has received a restoration by DESCO years ago. The helmet now appears like it did when it was sent from the DESCO factory in World War 2 to its customer, likely the United States Navy.

The helmet was made on June 6th, 1945, by Diving Equipment & Salvage Company (DESCO), exactly 1 year after D-Day. The serial number 2870 can be found on the inside of both neck rings, on the outside of the bonnet neck ring, and the original ID plate. The ID plate also features the word HELIUM stamped into it.

When the US Government ordered Mark V they required the copper body to be tinned. This tinning would help prevent saltwater corrosion to the copper. From use and polishing this tinning would eventually wear off, exposing the copper. As can be seen in the photos, this helmet when restored was also given a correct re-tinning.

As mentioned above, the helmet is a full serial number matching example. Internally all of the air vents are intact. It appears the inside inner peak received some light work after re-tinning, exposing the copper on the inside. An exhaust plunger is present inside the bonnet as well as communications wire clips. Outside all the major hardware is present, including the window guards, glass, exhaust valve, four brails, twelve wingnuts, and the all-important Co2 absorbent canister. The dumbbell safety latch, retaining latch, air, communications, and heater elbow caps are also present. Some old repairs are evident in the copper body from use. These old repairs are hardly noticeable but worth mentioning and showing the helmet was actually used during or after World War 2.

Given the nickname The Widow Maker by some Navy divers, the Mark V Helium helmet is an impressive piece of diving technology. Weighing approximately 100+ pounds, this helmet was designed for extreme deep diving missions. Sending a mixture of helium and oxygen to the diver allowed them to go depths more than the typical 100 to 150 feet. From that point on, standard air divers would suffer from numerous physical and mental issues while trying to work. The large canister on the back contained a granular that would absorb carbon dioxide. While effective, if the granular was exposed to water from a leak in any one of the fittings, the combination would result in toxic gas, injuring or even killing a diver, hence the ominous nickname Widow Maker.

Very few of these helium Mark V helmets were made. Due to their cost, advanced training required, and the limited number of missions that required such a helmet, very few of these survive today. This helmet does represent the pinnacle of underwater diving technology from World War 2. It is also visually awe-inspiring and guaranteed to impress even non-collectors!

The display stand shown in the photos is not included. The option to purchase one after the auction will be provided.

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.

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. Payment via bank wire for customers outside the USA is required. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.