This beautiful helmet was made by Diving Equipment & Supply Company (DESCO). Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this company would start making diving helmets and related equipment in 1937. 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. 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 very special Abalone divers helmet was made to commemorate the 60th anniversary of DESCO’s founding in 1937. In 1997 DESCO only made 20 of these helmets. They were offered initially only to members of the Historical Diving Society (HDS) in the United States. The helmets sold and were all put into collections and rarely ever reach the market. DESCO and the HDS have made some amazing commemorative helmets over the years in very limited numbers. This one was the 2nd model conceived.

The helmet is serial numbered 7 out of 20 made. This number is engraved into each of the 4 brass brails and also on both neck rings. There are two brass ID plates. The upper one says DESCO; 1937 – 1997; 60th Anniversary; Limited Edition; Abalone Helmet; Historical Diving Society – USA. The lower brass plate is one used in the 1940’s; Diving Equipment & Salvage Corp.; U.S.A.; Milwaukee, Wis. In addition, each brass brail has a silver abalone helmet on it with the number 60. The helmet was made to be fully functional and received a double tinning. DESCO also used an original BTE exhaust valve on these. Simply put, the helmet is a true showpiece and a style rarely seen!

As can be seen in the photos, the helmet is in beautiful like-new condition. All the brass shines with a flash of brilliance. The tinned copper body also looks amazing. Over the last 20+ years, some minor blemishes in the tinning are present, but only of the most minor degree. If the tinning were given a good cleaning it would come back to perfection.

As with any special limited helmet like this, they get snapped up quickly to never return to the market. We are not aware of another one of these being sold on the open market. Abalone helmets, in general, are rare finds – this one is in near-mint condition ready for display in the home, office or museum.

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.