Our annual auction for 2025 is fill with authentic antique and vintage diving helmets and related memorabilia from the 19th and 20th Century. Iconic copper and brass diving helmets made by AJ Morse, A. Schrader's Son, DESCO, Miller Dunn, Siebe Gorman, Craftsweld and more are featured. Vintage fiberglass diving helmets from Joe Savoie, Bob Ratclife, Kirby Morgan and more also also being sold.
The second part of the auction features a lifetime collection of antique & vintage golf balls. These balls date to the late 1800s into the 1960s.
The third part of the sale features a selection of silver US coins.
Rounding out the sale is a small selection of rare antiques.
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LOT 33:
US Navy Mark 12 Diving Helmet 1985 Morse Not Decommissioned
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Sold for: $5,750
Price including buyer’s premium:
$
6,900
Start price:
$
750
Estimate :
$1,500 - $3,000
Buyer's Premium: 20%
More details
sales tax: 7.5%
On the lot's price and buyer's premium
Users from foreign countries may be exempted from tax payments, according to the relevant tax regulations
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Item Overview
Description:
After the US Navy decided to replace the iconic Mark V helmet, they chose to use the Morse Diving Equipment Mark 12 fiberglass helmet. This model was in use mainly during the 1980s before being replaced by lighter-weight models. Today, this helmet has been rapidly gaining in popularity in the collector market.
A vast majority of Mark 12 helmets that have survived have been decommissioned by the Navy before they were sold as surplus. The decommissioning process involved pushing the base of the helmet together, causing irreparable damage and making it impossible to use. A precious few of these helmets escaped destruction, making them prized collectibles today.
This example is one of the lucky helmets that did not get destroyed! Made in January of 1985 at the Morse Diving Equipment facility in Boston, MA, this helmet is serial #0686. The helmet is in excellent condition with only minor paint scratches from handling over the years. No cracks are visible in the fiberglass body. In addition, this helmet features all visible yello brass hardware, rather than the black hardware more commonly found. The brass in our opinion give this helmet a great visible appearance with a touch of vintage appeal. The inside of the helmet is also in excellent condition. The neck ring detaches with ease and there are no missing parts. The communications cable and hardware end is also intact.
Finding a Mark 12 in this condition is extremely rare, so do not pass up on this opportunity to own an icon of US Navy diving history!
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. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.
