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early Navy diving helmet

Nation’s Attic to sell early Navy diving helmet July 18

Tom Hoepf

Tom Hoepf

early Navy diving helmet
The Mark V diving helmet was sent to the Navy in August of 1916 for evaluation. After testing, this specific helmet was lost to history until it turned up in Wisconsin. Nation’s Attic image

WICHITA, Kan. – Nation’s Attic Inc. has discovered one of the earliest unaltered original United States Navy Mark V diving helmets. The helmet was sent to the Navy in August of 1916 for evaluation. The helmet is being sold at auction on July 18 by Nation’s Attic Inc. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

Mark V model diving helmets would go on to be used by the Navy and allied countries from 1916 until the mid-1980s. The helmets iconic design also made it famous in movies and advertising. In February 2020 this historic piece of diving and U.S. Navy history from Aug. 24, 1916, was discovered in rural Wisconsin. The helmet has the potential to break the world record sales price for an antique diving helmet, which is currently $62,390.

early Navy diving helmet
Rare Joe Savoie stainless steel diving helmet, arguably the most desirable diving helmet made during the early 1970s. This diving helmet was made by Joe Savoie of Boutte, Louisiana. It is serial #48 and in very good original condition. Savoie made each helmet on a custom order basis from this backyard shop. Estimate: $5,000-$7,000. Nation’s Attic image

The July 18 auction also consists of 21 other antique and vintage diving helmets, related equipment, maritime memorabilia and rare vintage scuba equipment. Preview and early bidding has begun with the live auction starting at 10 a.m. Central time July 18.

early Navy diving helmet
Flawless Krasberg Reclaim diving helmet from the early 1970s, built by Alan Krasberg, aka GDS in Aberdeen, UK. Estimate: $4,500-$6,000. 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.

early Navy diving helmet
U.S. Navy Mark V Diver Monument statuette, 1/1 artist’s proof, 21in high. Estimate: $6,000-$9,000. Nation’s Attic image

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

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