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. From 1916 till the end of WWII, Schrader would produce the Mark V for the military and civilian divers.

The helmet was made by one of the famed and iconic manufacturers of the 19th and 20th Centuries, the A. Schrader’s Son Company. Located in Brooklyn, New York, this company 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. Schrader would go on to be a major supplier of the famed Mark V from 1916 till shortly after World War II. The Mark V is considered by many to be the most iconic diving helmet ever made.

This helmet was made in June of 1943 in Brooklyn, New York. By 1943, when this helmet was produced, the A. Schrader’s Son company was a division of the Scovill Manufacturing Co. This information is part of the brass Mark V ID plate. Per US-Government specifications, all Mark V helmets were to be dated with at least the month and year it was produced. In the 21st Century for collectors, this makes dating and authenticating them quite easy! 1943 was the height of World War 2 for the US and the very beginning of the tied turning in the US’s favor.

Externally the helmet many decades ago was cleaned, to expose its attractive spun copper body and brass hardware. The copper body has just a hint of shine with a consistent matt finish throughout. The helmets original ID plate is present and easy to read. Schrader helmets would put the month and year of a manufacturer on the ID plate as well as a serial number, in this case, 166B. Schrader would also stamp the serial number on the inside all four brails as well. This helmet we are pleased to report has all 5 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 in 1943 was used for many jobs.

On the inside of the helmet bonnet, the original air vents are present. The inside of the bonnet was cleaned at the same time as the outside. The helmet is complete with all 12 wing nuts, 4 brails, 4 brail shims, window guards, glass, window guard screws, air fitting, exhaust, spitcock valve, dumbbell safety latch and with chain, air vents, and communications fitting. The inside of the bonnet neck ring has a number stamped into it, 238. It is common and documented that Schrader would put a number not corresponding to the helmets serial number in this location. Schrader Mark V bonnets are unique in the use of uniquely designed air and communications fitting. This bonnet features those correct fittings. In terms of condition, this helmet can easily be considered an excellent example. As mentioned earlier, many decades ago it was cleaned of the old tinning to reveal the spun copper body. The helmet is free of any noticeable dents

Mark V helmets are arguably the most desirable and collected helmet in the entire world. This is a 100% authentic example, serial #’s matching with US Navy inspection stamp would make a fantastic addition to any collection or as your first helmet!

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.