Nations Attic 2026 Diving Into History + More

Auction Details

Nation's Attic is proud to present the 2026 "Diving Into History" auction, a landmark event scheduled for Saturday, May 30th. This year's sale features the esteemed collection of The Ocean Corporation, a cornerstone of the commercial diving industry founded in Houston in 1969. As the school continues its legacy of excellence, it has chosen this moment to share museum-quality pieces of diving history with the global collecting community. The auction offers an unparalleled selection of 19th and 20th-century copper and brass diving helmets from legendary makers such as Morse, Schrader, and Siebe Gorman, including exceptionally rare and unique configurations.

Beyond the helmets, the catalog includes a deep dive into the history of the working diver with authentic vintage dive dresses, heavy lead boots, weight belts, and specialized equipment. Collectors will also find a vast array of maritime treasures including vintage underwater lights, original manufacturer catalogs, and historic photographs. The second half of this spectacular event shifts focus to a diverse array of high-quality collectibles selling at no reserve. These offerings include historically significant Japanese swords, a curated selection of US coinage, and an elegant collection of designer handbags, many of which remain in their original packaging.

As the world's largest dealer of authentic antique diving helmets, Nation's Attic provides a secure and professional platform for enthusiasts and investors alike. The full digital catalog will be available for preview and pre-bidding on LiveAuctioneers approximately one month prior to the sale date. We encourage all bidders to register early to ensure approval for this high-profile event. For detailed condition reports or inquiries regarding specific lots, please contact us at 316-371-1828 or via email at helmets@nationsattic.com. Join us on May 30th for this extraordinary opportunity to own a piece of history from the deep.
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.
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51
Snead Willis 1930s Cast Iron Shallow Water Diving Helmet53 - Snead Willis 1930s Cast Iron Shallow Water Diving Helmet
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is an excellent example of an original condition Snead Company shallow water diving helmet. The helmet is made of cast iron with an acrylic windo
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to floor for 2,250.00
 
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52
Rare Griswold Cast Iron Shallow Water Diving Helmet54 - Rare Griswold Cast Iron Shallow Water Diving Helmet
Nation’s Attic Inc.
One of the most sought-after types of diving helmets among collectors are shallow water models. Often boasting unique designs, ease of use, and relati
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 12,000.00
Sold to floor for 4,062.50
 
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53
Unusual Diving Equipment & Supply Co Shallow Water Helmet55 - Unusual Diving Equipment & Supply Co Shallow Water Helmet
Nation’s Attic Inc.
Starting in the 1940s, Diving Equipment & amp; Salvage Company (DESCO) recognized the need to offer a high-quality shallow water diving helmet. ...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 7,000.00
Sold to floor for 4,687.50
 
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54
Rare Person Sao Paulo Brazil Shallow Water Diving Helmet56 - Rare Person Sao Paulo Brazil Shallow Water Diving Helmet
Nation’s Attic Inc.
An exceptionally rare find, this Charles Person shallow water helmet is the first of its kind we have had the honor of offering. Manufactured in S&a...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to floor for 4,062.50
 
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55
Morse Model 15 Shallow Water Diving Helmet w/ Curved Glass57 - Morse Model 15 Shallow Water Diving Helmet w/ Curved Glass
Nation’s Attic Inc.
Featured here is one of the most unique shallow-water diving helmets ever made! This is a Model 15 helmet made by Morse Diving Equipment in Boston, MA
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 4,500.00
Sold to floor for 5,625.00
 
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56
WW2 Morse Diving Equipment Model 15 Shallow Water Air Pump58 - WW2 Morse Diving Equipment Model 15 Shallow Water Air Pump
Nation’s Attic Inc.
Excellent original Morse Diving Equipment Company shallow water air pump. This example was made during World War II and does have a US Navy inspection
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to floor for 593.75
 
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57
WW2 Era Ohio Rubber Diving Mask w/ Regulator59 - WW2 Era Ohio Rubber Diving Mask w/ Regulator
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a scarce World War II-era shallow water diving mask, manufactured by The Ohio Rubber Company in Willoughby, Ohio. Known among collectors as th
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 250.00 - 500.00
Sold to floor for 500.00
 
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58
1916 Miller Dunn Style 1 Divinhood Shallow Water Helmet60 - 1916 Miller Dunn Style 1 Divinhood Shallow Water Helmet
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This helmet was made by the Miller Dunn Company, located in Miami, FL, approximately 1916. Their very first helmet was made in 1915 and was called the
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,500.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to floor for 8,437.50
 
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59
1920s Miller Dunn Divinhood Style 2 Burley Metal Works Diving Helmet61 - 1920s Miller Dunn Divinhood Style 2 Burley Metal Works Diving Helmet
Nation’s Attic Inc.
The Divinhood Style 2 is regarded by many as the most desirable shallow water diving helmet ever produced. This unique helmet was made by the Miller D
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,000.00 - 9,000.00
Sold to floor for 8,750.00
 
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60
WW2 US Navy Miller Dunn Style 3 Divinhood Shallow Water Helmet62 - WW2 US Navy Miller Dunn Style 3 Divinhood Shallow Water Helmet
Nation’s Attic Inc.
During World War 2 the standard US Navy shallow water diving helmet was the Divinhood Style 3. These helmets have a classic appearance and were popula
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,500.00 - 5,500.00
Sold to floor for 5,312.50
 
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61
Miller Dunn #1 or #2 Divinhood Helmet Lead Weights63 - Miller Dunn #1 or #2 Divinhood Helmet Lead Weights
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a complete set of four lead weights for a Miller Dunn Divinhood Style 1 or 2. Both models of helmets utilized a copper strip that allowed the
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 350.00 - 600.00
Sold to floor for 625.00
 
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62
Miller Dunn #3 Divinhood Helmet Aluminum Weights64 - Miller Dunn #3 Divinhood Helmet Aluminum Weights
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a complete set of front and back weights for a Miller Dunn Divinhood Style 3. These weights are aluminum, made for easier display on a helmet
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to floor for 625.00
 
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63
Unusual Morse Diving Equipment Model 15 Style 12 Bolt Helmet65 - Unusual Morse Diving Equipment Model 15 Style 12 Bolt Helmet
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This helmet was made by arguably the most famous American helmet maker, the A.J. Morse & amp; Son Company. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, thi...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for 7,187.50
 
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64
DESCO Air Hat Free Flow Copper Helmet Serial #20066 - DESCO Air Hat Free Flow Copper Helmet Serial #200
Nation’s Attic Inc.
Starting in 1968 DESCO (Diving Equipment and Supply Company) debuted the now iconic and still in use Air Hat. These helmets are also known as Free Flo
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to floor for 1,500.00
 
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65
Stainless Steel Joe Savoie Serial #49 Diving Helmet67 - Stainless Steel Joe Savoie Serial #49 Diving Helmet
Nation’s Attic Inc.
In the 21st Century, diving helmets made by Joe Savoie have been recognized among historians and collectors as one of the most revolutionary helmet de
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,500.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to floor for 4,375.00
 
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66
Heavy Metal Divers Gladiator Bronze Diving Helmet Unused68 - Heavy Metal Divers Gladiator Bronze Diving Helmet Unused
Nation’s Attic Inc.
A modern day classic, made by Heavy Metal Divers. This is their Gladiator model bronze helmet with a copper plated body. This helmet was inspired by t
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,500.00 - 6,500.00
Sold to floor for 5,312.50
 
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67
Bronze Miller Model 400 Vintage 1980s Diving Helmet69 - Bronze Miller Model 400 Vintage 1980s Diving Helmet
Nation’s Attic Inc.
In the world of commercial diving in the 1970s and 1980s, Miller helmets were considered one of the jewels in the industry. Constructed with a solid b
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 6,500.00
Sold to floor for 5,312.50
 
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68
Hard Hat Divers Wear Dresses. Bob Kirby’s Autobiography70 - Hard Hat Divers Wear Dresses. Bob Kirby’s Autobiography
Nation’s Attic Inc.
Bob Kirby’s autobiography. Inscribed “Hanging off, after a deep dive was never worth the money, Thanks, Bob Kirby.” Hard Ha
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 250.00
Sold to floor for 237.50
 
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69
Pearl Diver’s Luck Benham Hardcover 1950 1st Edition With Dustjacket71 - Pearl Diver’s Luck Benham Hardcover 1950 1st Edition With Dustjacket
Nation’s Attic Inc.
1950 Pearl Diver’s Luck, Norton by Clarence Benham 1st Edition. High Adventure In The South Seas!. 286 pages, hardcover with original price c
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 25.00 - 75.00
Sold to floor for 75.00
 
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70
DESCO DIVCON Abalone Presentation Diving Helmet72 - DESCO DIVCON Abalone Presentation Diving Helmet
Nation’s Attic Inc.
It is very seldom that we have the opportunity to offer a classic diving helmet that was presented to a diver at his retirement. For your consideratio
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to floor for 5,937.50
 
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71
Vintage US Navy Style Lightweight Divers Boots73 - Vintage US Navy Style Lightweight Divers Boots
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a pair of lightly used US Navy style lightweight diving boots or shoes. Both pieces feature vintage, used classic brass toes and brass corruga
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 200.00
Sold to floor for 300.00
 
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72
Rare Yokohama International Divers Santa Barbara Helium Diving Helmet74 - Rare Yokohama International Divers Santa Barbara Helium Diving Helmet
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is one of the notable and visually unique diving helmets ever produced. Made by the Yokohama Company in Japan, this was one of their most popular
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,000.00 - 15,000.00
Sold to floor for 7,812.50
 
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73
Vintage Yokohama Size 4 Dive Dress75 - Vintage Yokohama Size 4 Dive Dress
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a nice example of a vintage Yokohama Diving Apparatus dive dress in a four bolt pattern, size 4. The dress is still pliable and suitable for d
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to floor for 562.50
 
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74
Early Kirby Morgan Modified Yokohama Copper & Brass Diving Helmet76 - Early Kirby Morgan Modified Yokohama Copper & Brass Diving Helmet
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a rarely seen early Kirby Morgan Corporation copper-and-brass diving helmet. Known worldwide for their cutting-edge fiberglass helmets, the co
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 8,000.00
Sold to floor for 6,562.50
 
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75
The Coast-Watchers 1946 Commander Feldt With Dustjacket77 - The Coast-Watchers 1946 Commander Feldt With Dustjacket
Nation’s Attic Inc.
1946 The Coast Watchers, Oxford University Press by Commander Eric A. Feldt Royal Australian Navy. About the role of the coast watches in the Pacific
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 25.00 - 75.00
Sold to floor for 31.25
 
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76
Uniquely Modified Square Front Diving Helmet by Kirby78 - Uniquely Modified Square Front Diving Helmet by Kirby
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This interesting piece of diving history is a one-of-a-kind diving helmet with a compelling provenance. Originally discovered decades ago, the helmet
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 6,500.00
Sold to floor for 3,750.00
 
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77
Antique Diving Helmet Horseshoe Style Weights - Aluminum79 - Antique Diving Helmet Horseshoe Style Weights - Aluminum
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a pair of antique horseshoe style weight made of aluminum. Each weighs six pounds with brass hardware cast into it. This is a perfect piece to
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 150.00
Sold to floor for 68.75
 
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78
Antique Diving Helmet Horseshoe Style Weight - Aluminum80 - Antique Diving Helmet Horseshoe Style Weight - Aluminum
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a single antique horseshoe style weight made of aluminum. The weight is approximately six pounds with brass hardware cast into it. There are a
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 150.00
Sold to floor for 100.00
 
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79
1918 AJ Morse & Son Antique Diving Helmet Copper & Brass81 - 1918 AJ Morse & Son Antique Diving Helmet Copper & Brass
Nation’s Attic Inc.
Produced by the venerable A.J. Morse & amp; Son Company of Boston, Massachusetts, this specimen carries the legacy of America’s most preem...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to floor for 8,125.00
 
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80
Impressive Antique Brass & Leather Divers Boots82 - Impressive Antique Brass & Leather Divers Boots
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is one of the most visually impressive antique diving boots we have ever handled. This pair of boots features a solid brass sole and a heavy leat
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 250.00 - 600.00
Sold to floor for 1,625.00
 
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81
Antique Cast Iron Divers Shoes or Boots83 - Antique Cast Iron Divers Shoes or Boots
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a very nice pair of antique cast iron diver's shoes, boots, or sandals. Originally, these would have been strapped to leather boots to p...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to floor for 100.00
 
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82
1920s A Schrader’s Son  Brooklyn Antique Diving Helmet84 - 1920s A Schrader’s Son Brooklyn Antique Diving Helmet
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This 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 Broo...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 7,000.00
Sold to floor for 6,875.00
 
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83
Antique Brass Ross Evans London Ships Spyglass85 - Antique Brass Ross Evans London Ships Spyglass
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a very nice antique brass spyglass made by Ross Evans in London. Overall length fully extended is a little over 18 inches, fully collapsed sli
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 200.00
Sold to floor for 1,375.00
 
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84
Black Horse Of The Sea 1929 Merritt Chapman Company History86 - Black Horse Of The Sea 1929 Merritt Chapman Company History
Nation’s Attic Inc.
Black Horse of the Sea, by Robert MacMillen, 1929. This hardcover book documents the famed salvage company Merritt-Chapman & amp; Scott Corporat...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to floor for 468.75
 
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85
AJ Morse & Son Diving Helmet Circa 1909 w/ Photographic History87 - AJ Morse & Son Diving Helmet Circa 1909 w/ Photographic History
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This helmet was made by arguably the most famous American helmet maker, the A.J. Morse & amp; Son Company. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, thi...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 8,000.00
Sold to floor for 7,500.00
 
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86
Morse Diving Equipment NOS Diving Helmet Faceplate w/ Tag88 - Morse Diving Equipment NOS Diving Helmet Faceplate w/ Tag
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is an exceptional new old stock Morse Diving Equipment faceplate. This part fits on many 1940s era Morse commercial diving helmets. The threads m
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to floor for 1,625.00
 
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87
Morse Diving Equipment Helmet Brass Welding Frame & Lens89 - Morse Diving Equipment Helmet Brass Welding Frame & Lens
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a rare Morse Diving Equipment brass welding frame and lens. This would attach to the faceplate on most Morse commercial helmets. The original
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 350.00 - 700.00
Sold to floor for 437.50
 
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88
AJ Morse & Son Brass Underwater Torch Flashlight90 - AJ Morse & Son Brass Underwater Torch Flashlight
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a rare A.J. Morse & amp; Son Inc underwater flashlight or torch. This piece measures a little over 17 inches long and 1.625 inches in di...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 250.00 - 500.00
Sold to floor for 275.00
 
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89
Solid Brass 2.25 Inch Underwater Jetting Nozzle91 - Solid Brass 2.25 Inch Underwater Jetting Nozzle
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a solid brass jetting nozzle. The inside diameter of the threads measure 2.25 inches wide. The nozzle measures 10 inches long and weighs appro
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 200.00
Sold to floor for 137.50
 
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90
Solid Brass 2.25 Inch Underwater Divers Jetting Nozzle92 - Solid Brass 2.25 Inch Underwater Divers Jetting Nozzle
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a solid brass jetting nozzle. The inside diameter of the threads measure 2.25 inches wide. The nozzle measures 10 inches long and weighs appro
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 150.00
Sold to floor for 81.25
 
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91
Antique White Rubber Divers Air Hose 50 Feet Rare93 - Antique White Rubber Divers Air Hose 50 Feet Rare
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a rarely seen surviving white rubber divers air hose. There is approximately fifty feet of hose, weighing approximately 25 pounds. A female br
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to floor for 250.00
 
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92
Antique Black Rubber Divers Air Hose 50 Feet94 - Antique Black Rubber Divers Air Hose 50 Feet
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a nice black rubber divers air hose. There is approximately fifty feet of hose, weighing approximately 25 pounds. A female brass fitting is on
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 150.00 - 300.00
Sold to floor for 100.00
 
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93
WW2 US Navy Mark V DESCO Air Control Valve & Whip95 - WW2 US Navy Mark V DESCO Air Control Valve & Whip
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a very nice WWII combination of a DESCO stamped air control valve along with a whip made by Republic Rubber, dated August 1944. All components
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 250.00 - 500.00
Sold to floor for 875.00
 
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94
WW2 US Navy Type J Battle Lantern96 - WW2 US Navy Type J Battle Lantern
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a World War 2 era US Navy Type J battery-powered battle lantern. The top is stamped 9-S5311-L and Type J-IS. This lantern is in its original,
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 25.00 - 75.00
Sold to floor for 68.75
 
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95
US Navy Canvas Dive Boots Parts Bag and Helmet Pad97 - US Navy Canvas Dive Boots Parts Bag and Helmet Pad
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a grouping of World War 2 era items consisting of a pair of canvas and wood dive boots, a canvas underwater tool or parts bag, and a diving he
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 25.00 - 75.00
Sold to floor for 262.50
 
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96
Antique Divers Dress Brass Wrist Clamps, Cuff Expander & Wing Nut Wrench98 - Antique Divers Dress Brass Wrist Clamps, Cuff Expander & Wing Nut Wrench
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a grouping of antique divers dress tools. The grouping is made up of two complete and one partial brass divers' wrist clamps, a wood and...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to floor for 625.00
 
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97
WWII Era Brass Air Line Fittings Morse DESCO & Non Return Valve99 - WWII Era Brass Air Line Fittings Morse DESCO & Non Return Valve
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a grouping of World War II-era brass airline fittings. The grouping includes an unmarked non-return valve, a double female fitting stamped Mor
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to floor for 106.25
 
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98
Vintage Divers Airline Compressor Filter Housings100 - Vintage Divers Airline Compressor Filter Housings
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a pair of vintage divers' airline filter housings. One is brass and stamped Craftsweld. The other features a tag from Universal Air Comp...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 25.00 - 75.00
Sold to floor for 43.75
 
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99
Morse Top Side Divers Telephone Box & Cables101 - Morse Top Side Divers Telephone Box & Cables
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a very nice vintage Morse Diving Equipment communications top side telephone box. This model is battery-powered and has not been tested. In ad
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to floor for 750.00
 
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100
Vintage Divers Dress Size 3 For Morse Helmet102 - Vintage Divers Dress Size 3 For Morse Helmet
Nation’s Attic Inc.
This is a nice example of a vintage size 3 dive dress. It has been punched for a Morse commercial diving helmet. The canvas and rubber are all still v
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to floor for 250.00
 
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