This helmet was made by the A. Schrader Diving Equipment Company located in Bowie, Maryland. This company was the successor of the iconic A. Schrader’s Son Company that made diving equipment in the 19th and 20th Centuries. A. Schrader’s Son would start making diving helmets and related equipment in the 1840s. Throughout the 19th Century, they would improve upon diving helmet design and become a supplier to the US Navy. During the early 20th Century their helmets would utilize the latest techniques in design and safety. In addition to supplying the US Navy, Schrader helmets and equipment were used by commercial divers around the world. Schrader would go on to be a major supplier of the famed Mark V from 1916 till after World War II. In 1935 the company would be sold to Scoville Manufacturing while retaining their same name. In 1952 the company was then sold to Craftsweld, who did not use the Schrader name on their helmets. In 1999 the company was sold and renamed the A. Schrader Diving Equipment Company – reviving the iconic name. In 2018 the company changed ownership and will undoubtedly continue to carry on the fine tradition of high-quality helmets and preservation of its history. Today, helmets made by this company regardless of the time period are prized among collectors for their iconic styles and place in diving history.

This special and possibly one-off helmet was made in the last 20 years and has never been used or put in the water. The helmet has a copper body with brass hardware, all of which is present and in polished beautiful condition. The helmet features the original A. Schrader Equipment Co. brass ID plate with serial # stamped clearly into it. During the 20+ years, the company was located in Maryland very few helmets were made. Now and in the future helmets from this time period will be a rare piece of the companies linage.

This stunning helmet is not just any standard configuration – it is a very impressive 5 bolt 4 light model! 5 bolt helmets were used during the 19th Century in somewhat limited numbers. Once the US Navy standardized the Mark V with it’s threaded bonnet & breastplate in 1916, bolt helmets became obsolete. In addition, many bolt helmets were converted to a threaded style making them even rare now. It’s difficult to imagine a more visually impressive Schrader helmet that could have been made than this one! The helmet features all “bells & whistles” – 5 bolt neck, 12 bolt breastplate, exhaust, air fitting, 4 lights (windows), threaded in front window and lastly the impressive solid brass ID plate with serial #. In keeping with the 19th Century style, the helmet does not have a communication cup. It goes without saying that this helmet would fit in any collection, office, home or museum, and impress everyone!

As can be seen in the photos, the helmet is in like-new condition. It was polished out when made and over time has started to develop a slight patina on the copper and brass surfaces. The next owner could allow this patina to continue to age or easily polish it again – bringing it to a full luster again! All the components of the helmet function just as they should. We are selling this as a display piece only. The helmet could be taken to a certified dive shop and likely be ready to use with little or no work.

Finding an authentic 5 bolt helmet is always a rare occurrence and in many cases, they can reach astronomical amounts of money. The next owner of this helmet will not only have a prized 5 bolt helmet but one that could be used without worrying about damaging a 100+-year-old antique. This helmet originally cost Schrader Diving many-many thousands of dollars to make. Now is your opportunity to own an authentic 5 bolt helmet and enjoy it any way you like without spending twenty or thirty thousand dollars~

All helmets sold & auctioned by Nation’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. The option to purchase one after the auction will be provided. All helmets will be shipped in two double boxed boxes via FedEx. Worldwide shipping available. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.