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Very Rare 1916 Morse US Navy MK 5 Nautical Dive Helmet

About the Item

STAND NOT INCLUDED Weights: Bonnet 27. 5 lbs. Breast plate 25 lbs Total 52.5 lbs Copyright 2012 by Land And Sea Collection, All Rights Reserved. Presented is a very rare 12 bolt, 4 light Morse Navy MK V diving helmet that was made in 1916, thereby being one of the earliest MK Vs built. It is the first of the early helmets that we have seen in two years, though our records show we previously sold three early ones. They were a 1918 Schrader MK V, a 1919 Morse MK V, and a second 1919 Schrader MK V retrofitted with a Heliox system, but this is the only 1916 we have had the pleasure of bringing to market. Having a 1916 Morse for sale is a major event because even though Morse was one of the original Navy suppliers of the MK V Diving System, very few of their early MK V helmets are seen on the market, making this a choice for a serious collector. The stand is not included. THE EARLY MK V HELMETS (1916-1917): Morse was the original maker of the MK V with Schrader following close behind. We know from other MK V helmets we've sold that Morse sometimes used Schrader parts and vice versa. It may be that the Navy Policy required a second supplier and that Morse helped them get started. The earliest known MK V is SN 2204, with 2211 following close behind. It has been suggested by others that 2200 may be the starting point of MK V production. In this first group were certain prototype, pre-production or experimental models. Morse thinks, as we do, this model was an experimental variant. Known MK V SN 2374 dates from November 2, 1917, which gives you an idea of how few of these helmets were made in 1916. ANCHOR MARK AND SERIAL NUMBERS: There were no Navy Inspector marks as shown in the picture at left on the early issued helmets, so the fact that one does not have the mark is to be expected. Morse records show that SN 2233 was made on September 19, 1916. The serial number appears on both neck rings, and on the top of all of the brails, as well as on the maker's tag. The early MK V's that were still in service during WW II may carry an inspectors mark if they had work done by a Navy contractor. PROVENANCE: This helmet, and a Morse 1 A dive pump which we also have for sale, was originally purchased by a collector with wide ranging interests, from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California, in the early 1950's, and then were sold to an equally eclectic collector around 1991, as his first and only diving equipment purchase. The first private party owned the helmet for about 39 years, and the second private party for about 21 years for a combined 60 years in private hands. This leaves the 96 year old helmet in Navy possession for 36 years. CONDITION: This bonnet is 96 years old, and before being sold to private parties, was in Navy service and at the Naval Post Graduate School for 36 years. Morse believes it was originally made as an experimental design, as it had some none standard features such as the placement of both elbows. The brails are rounded not flat. It also had some Schrader parts which we have seen used before in early Morse MK V helmets. As far as possible, the helmet has been restored to conform with the 1916 design as was officially adopted. The dumb bell lock, as with all early helmets, does not have the hinged safety keeper which was adopted in 1934 from a BTE design. The helmet has about 95% tinning, but the tinning has some black streaks which remain after cleaning. There are some shallow dimples on the top back that may not show in the pictures because of the tarnished tinning. Also expect some other normal marks of age and handling. All the air passages inside are intact, and the exhaust wheel and button works. The helmet is in very good condition overall, and is complete including a WW II issue speaker which is loose in its keepers.The check valve may be a Schrader. The serial number appears on the tag, on all the brail tops and the neck rings. It is being offered as a display item only, and should not be used for any other purpose unless certified by a competent diving shop.

Dimensions:
Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)Width: 15 in (38.1 cm)Depth: 14 in (35.56 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Bronze
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
September 9, 1916
Condition:
Minor losses. As stated above in detail.
Seller Location:
Palm City, FL
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU9257734100

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