This unique and rarely seen helmet was made by Diving Equipment & Supply Company (DESCO). Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this company would start making diving helmets and related equipment in the 1930s. The company’s initial goal was to make equipment that would allow for the dive of shipwrecks at extreme depths. When World War 2 started, the company would receive large government contracts to produce most notably the US Navy Mark V helmet. In 1945 as the war was coming to an end, Jack Browne set a world record of a depth of 550 feet of water. The company would go on to design and manufacture numerous specialized diving helmets for both military and commercial applications. DESCO is still in business today serving active divers and collectors.

This seldom seen helmet was made in April of 1980. The helmet has a copper body with brass hardware, all of which is present. The helmet features the original DESO brass ID plate. DESCO would put the helmets serial # on the ID plate as well as the date of manufacture and model number. This example is a model 985. They also placed this same number on the inside of both the bonnet and breastplate neck rings. This leads us to believe the helmet is actually a model 29134 (which is a DESCO model #) and the serial number is 985.

The standard configuration for this model (29134) of a helmet has 4 lights or windows, 12 bolts, 4 brails, oval side windows, and a threaded front faceplate. This particular helmet has a larger front window that threads into the bonnet. It also features a slightly different communications and air fitting on the back of the bonnet. An optional threaded plug on the breastplate would give a user additional options for air supply, etc. This type of helmet was generally used for commercial purposes such as sponge diving, abalone diving or general underwater construction jobs.

The helmet is in very good original condition. The copper body still retains a large majority of its tinning used for preventing saltwater corrosion. The helmet is complete with all its windows, 12 wing nuts, four brails, exhaust valve, air fitting, safety pin, window guards, neck ring gasket, internal air vents, and original reproducer (speaker). This helmet has the look and feel of one that was used by a professional, well taken care of and then put away – which is just perfect! The DESCO ID plate is in good original condition with the stampings clear.

Like any manufacturer, a helmet like this was made on-demand. During the later part of the 20th Century, very few copper & brass diving helmets were made for professional working divers. By this time fiberglass helmets made by Kirby Morgan had become the standard for the industry in many applications. This helmet is a fantastic example of one probably used for a special job site with unique challenges. There is no doubt the helmet was used but also well taken care of. Finding another like this one from any time period would be very challenging. A great piece that exudes what a true working helmet looks like after a long day at work.

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.