The US Navy Mark V is arguably the most iconic helmet design ever made. Its style and history have made it one of the most popular helmets among collectors worldwide. The model was made for the US Navy from 1916 till the mid-1980s. Production of the helmet reached peaks during late World War 1 and also during World War 2. During this entire time span, the Morse Company would produce the Mark V for the military and civilian divers.

This helmet was made on September 14th, 1942 in Boston, Massachusetts. By 1942, when this helmet was produced, Morse's official name was Morse Diving Equipment Company Inc. Morse even then was an iconic name in the diving industry. For unknown and probably varying reasons during World War 2 the US Government did not order as many Mark V's from Morse as they did from Schrader or DESCO. This has resulted in finding very nice or excellent examples of a WWII Morse helmet relatively difficult. By our experience, Morse Mark V's are the second most difficult to find out of the four makers. In addition, early WWII examples, like this one, are even more scarce.

This specific helmet has a number of very special features both on the inside and outside. Externally the helmet many decades ago was polished, to expose its attractive spun copper body and brass hardware. Small remnants of its original finish can be found in spots, only adding to its visual appeal. The helmets original ID plate is present and easy to read. Morse helmets would put a specific date of manufacturer on the ID plate as well as a lot number, in this case, 802. The helmets serial number was stamped into both the bonnet (top) and breastplate (bottom) neck rings. Morse would also stamp the serial number on all four brails as well. This helmet we are pleased to report has all six locations with the same matching serial number! Also found on the bonnet, stamped on the communications cup is a US Navy inspection stamp. This stamp shows that the Navy inspected and accepted this helmet into their inventory! No doubt a helmet made early in the war was used for many jobs.

On the inside of the helmet bonnet, the original air vents are present. A WWII period reproducer (speaker) is also present inside as well! Typically the inside of the breastplate is of little note, but in this case, itÂ’s very important. Engraved on the inside of the breastplate is some incredible and rarely found history of the helmet. One side is engraved; U.S. Navy; Donald F. Garvin; ENC DV; Nov. 1946 to April 1968; USS Tringa ASR16; 10 Years. On the other side is his name again engraved a little larger; Don Garvin. He also added an engraving of an anchor and a ship's propeller. It is extremely rare for a helmet to have its history like this recorded on the inside. In our opinion, it adds the helmets desirability and reminds one it was used around the world by brave servicemen.

The helmet is complete with all 12 wing nuts, 4 brails, window guards, glass, window guard screws, air fitting, exhaust, and communications fitting. Inside the bonnet the original air vents are intact as well as a vintage reproducer (speaker) with wiring running to the communications fitting.

In terms of condition, this helmet can easily be considered a very good example. As mentioned earlier, many decades ago it was polished, likely by Mr. Garvin. The helmet does have a few working dents on the bonnet, which are to be expected. The helmet is complete with all its brass hardware with the exception of a dumbbell safety latch and cotter pin chain. The helmet does have a few components not commonly found intact, such as the 4 copper brail shims, a Schrader non-return valve with US Navy inspection stamp and a Morse stamped communications cap. All 12 correct wing nuts and 4 serial #ed brails are present. Glass is all in good condition and all mounting screws intact.

Mark V helmets are arguably the most desirable and collected helmet in the entire world. This is a 100% authentic example, serial #Â’s matching with very rare engraved province on the inside. Also included to the winning bidder is a professional 360° profile imagery of the helmet as well as a digital chain of title through TheMotherLode platform.

All helmets sold & auctioned by NationÂ’s Attic Inc. will come with a certificate of authenticity (COA). This COA will have a serial # on it that will match the # on a tamperproof holographic decal placed on the inside of the helmet. This level of security and long term assurance of the helmets authenticity is un-matched in the industry and very important to us.

The display stand shown in the photos is not included.