SOLD
10,000.00USDto floor
This item SOLD at 2026 May 30 @ 13:24UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT
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A full invoice should be emailed to the winner by the auctioneer within a day or two.
Please make sure your account has the correct current address registered. We must ship items to the address registered with your account.
In the event buyer desires to pay by using a credit card, a convenience processing fee equaling an average of 4.0% of the entire amount due shall be added to the buyer's invoice.
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. After the US Navy adopted the Mark 12 helmet for use, there were still three makers of the Mark V helmet for commercial and recreational use, Morse & amp; DESCO (Diving Equipment and Supply Co) and recently Schrader.This helmet was made by one of those famed and iconic manufacturers of the 20th and 21st Centuries, the Diving Equipment & amp; Salvage Company (DESCO). Located in Milwaukee, WI this company would start making diving helmets and related equipment in the late 1930s. Starting in 1943 they become a supplier to the US Navy, including the Mark V helmet. DESCO is still in business today as Diving Equipment and Supply Company, making the highest quality helmets and offering repair services.The helmet was made on January 15th, 1945. As can be seen in the photos, the helmet is in very nice original condition. Many people do not realize that Mark Vs made for the US Navy required that they have a tinning covering the entire copper body. This tinning prevented saltwater corrosion. This tinning gives the helmet the grey finish you see. This helmet is what a DESCO Mark V looks like after seventy-seven years of careful use and being preserved!The helmet's bonnet and breastplate have serial numbers matching the identification plate. DESCO placed the serial number on both inside neck rings and the ID plate. Also featured on the ID plate is a US Navy inspection stamp. This stamp is proof that the helmet was inspected and put into the US Navy inventory. The spun copper body of the helmet is in wonderful condition with only minor working dents on the top of the bonnet. Also of important note is the additional brass plaque on the front of the breastplate. This plaque reads: D.J. Dockery; U.S. Navy 1949; New London. Conn. Denzel “Doc” Dockery a US Navy veteran and in the 1950s a Michigan businessman. Mr. Dockery is credited as designing and popularizing the use of the now iconic red and white “diver down” flag. Drawing inspiration from the Navy’s solid red “Bravo” danger flag, Dockery and his wife, Ruth, experimented with various configurations to ensure the design was both distinctive and legally unique. After rejecting a horizontal stripe (the national flag of Austria) and a vertical stripe (the Navy’s number 7 signal flag), they finalized the now-universal diagonal white stripe running from the upper-left to the lower-right corner. Beyond its invention, Dockery’s tireless promotion and & quot;evangelism& quot; for the flag transformed it from a homemade safety tool into the globally recognized symbol of the diving community.Securely mounted inside the bonnet is a WWII reproducer made by Guided Radio Corp. There is a wire from the reproducer to the communications elbow. This reproducer or speaker also features a US Navy inspection stamp on it. Other original components intact are the four brails, 12 wing nuts, spitcock valve, exhaust valve, and chin button, dumbbell safety latch (chain and cotter pin missing), neck ring gasket, glass with red caulk, air vents, and a chin button exhaust. Also prominently visible on the front of the helmet is an original Morse stamped welding shield. While the dark welding lens is no longer present, the shield itself is a correct WWII part rarely seen on a Mark V.A Schrader non-return valve is threaded onto the air elbow along with an air fitting end cap. The communications elbow also has its original cap. It should be noted that the brass hardware appears to have been nickel-plated long ago. This was done to a few helmets when they were presentation pieces or on display at locations such as a recruitment office. Much of the old nickel plating has worn off, but it is still very evident. Having a helmet from a US Navy veteran and one who went on to develop a symbol of diver safety and generally a universal image for diving is a special and unique opportunity! The display stand in the photos is not included. The option to purchase the stand at a discounted price will be available after the auction. All diving helmets in this auction will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Nations Attic. The certificate will have a unique number that will match the number on a tamperproof hologram decal placed inside the helmet. This information will be kept on permanent file at Nations Attic and help ensure the provenance of the helmet and authenticity.All items will be shipped with a signature required upon delivery and full insurance either via FedEx or the USPS Priority Mail. Worldwide shipping is available; however, no ocean freight will be offered on large items. A shipping quote prior to the auction can be provided by emailing your postal code.
Auction Location:
448 South Pattie Avenue, Wichita, Kansas, 67211, United States
Previewing Details:
Preview available online or in person by appointment
If buyer is located in Kansas, a 7.5% sales tax is required unless a reseller tax number is supplied.
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| KS Tax |
7.5% |
Kansas Tax |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
25% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
All items will be shipped to the address registered and associated with iCollector if a credit card payment option is used - no exceptions. This address is tied to the address associated with your credit card. Please inquire about shipping costs to a particular location or country before the start of the auction. All items will be packed & shipped by Nations Attic. Purchased items will be shipped on a first paid, first shipped basis and may take up to twenty (20) business days for said shipment to leave our (Nations Attic, Inc.) business. For time sensitive shipments, we (Nations Attic, Inc.) will expedite payment processing and shipping for a nominal fee. Items paid for by personal check are subject to a ten (10) business day hold for funds clearance. All domestic mainland items are shipped via FedEx ground or via USPS PRIORITY unless otherwise specified or requested by the customer. International shipments are shipped via FedEx International. All items will require a tracking number hence FedEx to confirm delivery of the package. International customers are responsible for the shipments fees tax/vat/customs and etc. International customers are responsible to confirm knives, firearms, shark darts or other potentially viewed weapons (it is up to the customs agent if they deem it a weapon) are allowed through the customs of your country. If the item is confiscated, Nation's Attic is not liable for any refunds for the item or shipping charges. This is important to verify as numerous countries are no longer allowing these items through customs. The USPS is not able to track packages internationally once the package has left the United States. Due to missing packages and not being able to track or confirm the package location, this service is not offered for international customers. Please get a quote on your items if you are concerned about the shipping prices. Please ensure that your LiveAuctioneers account has the correct shipping address. Nation's Attic does not know if you moved, have another home or would like a package to go to a different address. This is your responsibility to ensure the package is shipped to the desired location. If no communication has been given to the Nation's Attic, the package will again go to the confirmed shipping address tied to the account. All rerouting or missing packages due to the misinformation is not at the Nation's Attic expense.
Payment Details:
Initial payment in the full amount of the purchase price, SHIPPING WITH SIGNATURE REQUIRED AND INSURANCE FOR THE ITEMS must be received ON RECEIPT of receipt of your invoice. No exceptions. Payment can be remitted by check, money order, bank wire and credit card payment. If payment arrangements have not been made, the auto-pay to the credit card on file with iCollector will be charged within 72 hours of receiving the invoice. Due to credit card processing charges, In the event buyer desires to pay by using a credit card, a convenience processing fee equaling an average of 4.0% of the entire amount due shall be added to the buyer's invoice. BEFORE BIDDING, PLEASE TAKE THIS CREDIT CARD PROCESSING FEE INTO ACCOUNT. We encourage you to pay by sending us a check or wire transfer to avoid the credit card convenience fee. If you are paying via check or wire transfer, please call or email us before the auto-pay feature is used and your credit card is charged. Reversal of the credit card does cost a reversal fee of around 4% that will be passed to the buyer. It is important to notify Nation's Attic if a check or wire transfer is the method of payment.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- AMEX
- Discover
- Money Order/Bank Draft
- Check/Cheque
- Wire Transfer
- Cash
ERMS & CONDITIONS
1. Prior to sale, all bidders must register with Nations Attic Inc. and/or online via iCollector to participate in bidding.
2. The Auctioneer and the Consignor assume no risk, liability or responsibility for the authenticity or the authorship of any property identified in the online catalogue (that is, the identity of the creator or the period, culture, source or origin as the case may be, with which the creation of any property is identified herein). All property is sold "As Is" and neither the Auctioneer nor the Consignor makes any warranties or representations of any kind or nature with respect to the property, and in no event shall be responsible for the correctness or any implied warranty or merchantability or any implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose as it relates to description, genuineness, attribution, provenance, safety, reliability or condition of the property. If any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose can be construed from the catalogue, auction, or bill of sale, such warranties are disclaimed by the Auctioneer and the Consignor. No statement in the online catalogue or made at the sale or in the Bill of Sale or invoice or elsewhere shall be deemed such a warranty or representation or an admission of liability. Moreover, the Auctioneer will not be held responsible for any variations in appearance of online photographs.
3. Notwithstanding the preceding condition, if within 14 days of the sale of any lot the purchaser of any antique gives notice in writing to the Auctioneer that the lot so sold is a counterfeit and, if within 7 days after such notice the purchaser returns to the Auctioneer in the same condition as when sold, and gives written proof from a recognized impartial expert which establishes beyond reasonable doubt that the returned lot is in fact a counterfeit and that this was not indicated by a fair reading of the catalogue or the Auctioneer's comments at the time of sale, the Auctioneer as agent for the Consignor will rescind the sale and refund the purchase price. Please note that the original shipping costs will not be refunded as the cost was already incurred. The shipping to return the item will be at your purchaser expense.
4. A premium equal to 25% of the successful bid price will be added thereto and is payable by the purchaser as part of the total purchase price.
5. The Sales Tax rate for Wichita, Kansas is 7.5% and is computed on this total purchase price and applies to bidders residing within the state. The purchaser will be required to pay Sales Tax unless exempted through possession of a valid State of Kansas Sales Tax number on file.
Please Note: The State of Kansas has no arrangement of reciprocity with any other jurisdiction and the Auctioneer cannot honor a Sales Tax number from any other jurisdiction.
Please Note: Due to credit card processing charges, In the event buyer desires to pay by using a credit card, a convenience fee equaling an average of 4.0% to $8% depending on credit card used of the entire amount due shall be added to the buyer's invoice. We encourage you to pay by sending us a check or wire transfer to avoid the credit card convenience fee. However, if you send a wire, it must be in US DOLLARS and a $30 bank processing fee will be added. All shipments will ONLY be shipped to the registered and confirmed address on file with LiveAuctioneers, no exceptions. This means the credit card used to pay for the items is where the items will be shipped to and will also be the tax rate LiveAuctioneers uses to calculate tax. Please do not ask to ship to another address when using a credit card or to change your tax rate.
6. The Auctioneer reserves the right to withdraw any property at any time before actual sale.
7. Unless otherwise announced by the Auctioneer at the time of sale, all bids are per lot as numbered in the catalogue. The Auctioneer reserves the right to reject a bid from any bidder. The highest bid acknowledged by the Auctioneer shall be the purchaser. In the event of any dispute between bidders, the Auctioneer shall have the sole and final discretion either to determine the successful bidder, or to re-offer and re-sell the article in dispute. If the Auctioneer determines that any opening bid is not commensurate with the value of the article offered, he may reject the bid; and if, having acknowledged an opening bid he decides that any advance is not sufficient, he may reject the advance. The Auctioneer reserves the right to acknowledge an auction floor bid before acknowledging an internet and/or phone bid regardless of the maximum bid amount provided by the bidder before and/or during the auction.
8. On the fall of the Auctioneers hammer, title to the offered lot passes to the highest bidder who thereupon will pay the full purchase price therefore or such part as the Auctioneer may require. All property shall be removed by the purchaser at his expense on the day of sale and, if not so removed, may be sent by the Auctioneer to a public warehouse for the account, risk and expense of the purchaser. Any damage to or loss of any item purchased which is left with the Auctioneer after the day of purchase is the purchasers sole responsibility. If the foregoing conditions or any other applicable conditions herein are not complied with, in addition to other remedies available to the Auctioneer and the Consignor by law, including without limitation the right to hold the purchaser liable for the bid price, the Auctioneer at its option, may either (a) cancel the sale, retaining as liquidated damages all payments made by the purchaser, or (b) re-sell the property on 3 days notice to the purchaser and for the account and risk of the purchaser, either publicly or privately, and in such event the purchaser shall be liable for the payment of any deficiency plus all costs, including warehousing, the expenses of both sales, and the Auctioneers commission at its regular rates and all other charges due hereunder, and incidental charges. No claims shall be allowed after removal of goods and no article shall be re-sold for purchaser at the sale where purchased.
9. The Auctioneer reserves the right to cancel the sale or any portion thereof without prior or further notice, and to announce at any time additional conditions of sale.
10. Bidding will constitute full acceptance of the terms and conditions herein. Also recognize, all items are being sold as used and/or antiques. The items are meant to be used for display purposes only. Not liable for functionality. Take it upon your own risk to use, which is not advised.
11. Payment: Payment will be accepted in the form of personal check, cashiers check, bank wire transfer, money order, cash (in house only), credit card (confirmed address for US customers only, credit card fee's apply). For internet bidders, if payment is not received within 5 business days following the auction, a payment reminder invoice will be sent. If payment is not received within 10 business days of the auction, we (Nations Attic, Inc.) reserve the right to void the sale of the item(s) to that bidder, and make the item(s) available for sale to the under bidder. In addition, any non-paying bidder will be prohibited from registering for any future auction that is held by Nations Attic, Inc. LiveAuctioneers handles the sales tax, please do not ask to have it removed as it is state law.
12. Shipping: Shipping fees listed with each lot pertain to domestic shipping only (contiguous or lower 48). International bidders are subject to higher shipping fees. Please inquire about shipping to a particular country before the start of the auction. Purchased items will be shipped on a first paid, first shipped basis and may take up to twenty (20) business days for said shipment to leave our (Nations Attic, Inc.) business. For time sensitive shipments, we (Nations Attic, Inc.) will expedite payment processing and shipping for a nominal fee. Items paid for by personal check are subject to a ten (10) business day hold for funds clearance. All domestic mainland items are shipped via FedEx ground or via USPS unless otherwise specified or requested by the customer. International shipments are shipped via DHL Express or FedEx Express. USPS is no longer used for international shipments due to issues with tracking packages.
Insurance: All items are insured for the full purchase amount less carrier shipping charges, or the maximum amount allowed by the carrier and/or country of destination. Insurance is included in the specified shipping amount listed in the shipping section of the final invoice pricing. All invoices are sent with insurance already factored into the shipping charge. The customer has the right to waive any insurance amount by providing written consent that the customer will not hold Nations Attic, Inc. or its shipping carriers responsible for damaged and/or lost shipments due to uninsured/under insured packages. In some instances, we (Nations Attic, Inc.) reserve the right to only ship certain items if insurance is purchased for the full amount of the item(s) being shipped.
14. Storage Fees: Items not claimed within 30 Days after the auction will be subject to a $10 per lot, per day storage fee, unless other arrangements are made with the Nations Attic Inc.