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 39:
1930s Great Depression Era California Homemade Diving Helmet
more...
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Sold for: $1,000
Price including buyer’s premium:
$
1,200
Start price:
$
350
Estimate :
$750 - $1,500
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:
During the Great Depression, many divers who had no money were forced to make their own diving helmets. Magazines such as Popular Mechanics published instructions on making a helmet from discarded items found in houses and businesses. While these helmets, in many cases, follow a general design style – some such as this one are unique!
This gem of Great Depression Era diving was constructed from the body of an old hot water heater. A section was cut out of the body with a metal frame and an acrylic window installed. On top a fitting and pipe were installed along with a crude air regulator. Four bolts were secured to the lower section of the body to install lead weights. Rubber was used to line the lower edge to protect the diver from getting cut.
This helmet was found many years ago near the American River in the Sacramento, California Delta region. It was likely being used to look for gold, which was popular in the region.
The helmet measures approximately 23.5” tall, the body is 13” wide, and the overall width is 18” with the pipe included. The helmet weighs 25 pounds.
So many of these Great Depression era helmets have no history remaining with them, but this one does! Don’t miss out on an opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind helmet!
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.
