This is the famed US Navy Mark V diving helmet. This example is a very special one that was just recently discovered in South Africa and brought back to the United States!

The Diving Equipment & Salvage Company (DESCO) started business in the late 1930s. In 1942 the company was awarded a contract to make the Mark V diving helmet. What many people do not know is the first few hundred examples were made with a bonnet that is slightly different in size than US Navy specifications call for. These bonnets were sourced from Morse, who sent DESCO a bonnet originally indented for a commercial helmet. With WWII raging DESCO and the US Navy accepted this temporary variance. On the rare occasion early examples from 1943 will turn-up and immediately going into collections.

Over the years we (Nations Attic) have handled many DESCO Mark V’s, with the earliest being made in early 1943. To our surprise, we had a client contact us in South Africa with this helmet, dated December 20th, 1942, serial number 167! That is right, this is the 167th Mark V ever made by DESCO and the earliest we have ever handled.

The helmet clearly features the serial number 167 on the brass ID plate, on the inside of the breastplate neck ring and on all four brails! While the bonnet is a DESCO, it is serial number 1079 which dates to April 1944. Regardless, the two halves appear to have been together for many decades, likely since the 1940s.

When the helmet was found in South Africa, the owner though it was possibly in use by the military in that country during the war. There is what appears to be some type of inspection stamp on the breastplate neck ring, which we have provided a close-up of. It appears to be USN, but we could be wrong. Regardless, it is not the typical US Navy inspection stamp found on WWII era diving helmets used by the US government.

The helmet retains all its original hardware 4 copper brails shims, glass, 12 correct wing nuts, 4 serial numbered brails, BTE exhaust, spitcock valve, dumbbell safety latch (slightly bent) with latch chain present, internal air vents, communications reproducer, and window guards. There is one screw twisted off on the faceplate window guard. This helmet somehow escaped the ravages of use during WW2 and has remained in very good condition. Only very minor shallow working dents are evident on the top of the bonnet.

While the helmet is not serial numbers matching, it is still a very special example with a story that we will document in the certificate of authenticity that comes with the helmet.

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.