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Navy Mark V diving helmets

Navy Mark V diving helmets featured in Nation’s Attic auction Dec. 7

Tom Hoepf
Tom Hoepf
Navy Mark V diving helmets
U.S. Navy Mark V Helium Squalus Commemorative 1939 helmet. Estimate: $14,000-$18,000. Nation’s Attic image

WICHITA, Kan. – Nation’s Attic Inc. is conducting a no-reserve auction of antique diving helmets, related equipment and memorabilia. The stars of the auction are 17 lots of authentic copper and brass diving helmets dating to the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. The helmets along with rare related equipment and memorabilia are being sold through LiveAuctioneers. Pre-bidding has begun with the live auction starting Dec. 7, 11 a.m. Central Time. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

Highlights of the auction include three examples of the famed U.S. Navy Mark V helmet. One dates to 1944 made by Miller Dunn, one of the rarest from World War II. An impressive mint-condition helium Mark V helmet (above) commemorating the sinking, rescue of crew members and salvage of the USS Squalus is available.

Helmets used by commercial divers from the 1800s and into the Great Depression-era are represented well. A “two-bolt” helmet made in Denmark for extremely cold weather diving is rare with amazing visual appeal.

Navy Mark V diving helmets
Rare Hansen Danish two-bolt diving helmet with crown stamp. Estimate: $4,000-$8,000. Nation’s Attic image

The diving memorabilia is highlighted by a 1956 pinball machine made by Gottlieb called Sea-Belles! This “wood rail” pinball was originally made in relatively low numbers and features an underwater theme complete with women in diving helmets exploring the sea depths.

Navy Mark V diving helmets
1956 Gottlieb Sea-Belles pinball machine. Estimate: $1,000-$3,000. Nation’s Attic image

An impressive selection of antique and vintage books related to diving, submarines and military diving manuals is also included.

Navy Mark V diving helmets
Rare Alfred Hale & Co., Boston, diving helmet, late 19th century. Estimate: $7,500-$12,500. Nation’s Attic image

Rounding out the highlights is a one-of-one artist’s proof statue of Jake, with the full-size piece in place in front of the U.S. Naval Diving & Salvage Training Center in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Navy Mark V diving helmets
Mark V diver monument ‘Jake’ statuette one of one artist’s proof. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000. Nation’s Attic image

Nation’s Attic Inc. has been in business for 14 years and is the largest dealer of authentic diving helmets in the world. Located in Wichita, Kansas, their unlikely location for such items has not hindered them from sending these pieces of diving history to all parts of the world. Discovering antique diving helmets in the most unlikely places and then finding new homes for them is Nation’s Attic passion and specialty.

For details contact Don Creekmore at Nation’s Attic Inc.: 316-371-1828, helmets@nationsattic.com.

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Navy Mark V diving helmets