Historic Navy Diver's Nautical 1943 Schrader MK V Dive Helmet

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About the Item

This vintage Navy dive helmet should be considered a work of American Industrial Folk Art. It makes a stunning focal point and conversation piece in any decor. Presented is a high quality U.S. Navy MK V helmet made by Schrader in 1943, that comes from the Estate of a career Naval Officer who joined the Service as a young man in 1945, as a seaman recruit. During the course of his 29 year career, he rose through the enlisted ranks, became a master diver, Heliox diver, and then as a commissioned officer, advanced in rank to a diving officer, navigator, executive officer and finally as a lieutenant commander was the captain of a submarine rescue ship. Along the way he served in surface ships and submarines, and is said to have been the first to dive in the freezing waters of the Arctic Circle in 1962. He retired in 1974 as a lieutenant commander after serving two years as the commanding officer of the USS Florikan (ASR 9,) a very rare job for a former enlisted man. FORMER OWNER'S BIOGRAPHY IN BRIEF: Robert L. Witten was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1929 and at age 17, joined the Navy as a youngster filled with dreams of adventure and patriotism. During the course of his naval career, he served primarily in three submarines, Bashaw (SSK 241), Bluegill (SSK 2420 and USS Sea Dragon (SSN 584), which was the sixth Nuclear sub in service. Sea Dragon made the first Polar Underwater Expedition to the North Pole in 1962. It was during this period that Bob Witten was commissioned as an ensign. He continued to wear his enlisted submarine qualification silver Dolphins and the silver Master Diver device thoughout his career. It also is reported that he was the first person to dive under the Polar Ice Cap. Following this tour, he served in two submarine tenders, the Nereus (AS 17) and Dixon (AS 37), as diving officer and navigator, and two submarine rescue vessels, Chanticleer (ASR 7) as executive officer, and USS Florikan (ASR 9) as commanding officer. Robert L. Witten was commended for his bravery in saving several lives and his exceptional leadership as a ship's commander, submariner, deep sea diver and navigator. His five personal awards include the Command at Sea device, the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal with 4 Stars, Combat Action Medal, and eleven Service Medals and ribbons. He retired from the Navy on Sept. 1, 1974, as a Lieutenant Commander, but continued his seagoing career in the Merchant Marine for 20 more years, sailing the world's oceans. He commanded oceanographic research vessels for Nekton Inc. of San Diego, and commanded vessels for Lloyd's of London Insurance Co. He died in Las Vegas, NV on July 1, 2005 at age 76, and his ashes were buried at sea in the Pacific during a shipboard ceremony by the U.S. Navy.

Dimensions:
Height: 19 in (48.26 cm)Width: 15 in (38.1 cm)Depth: 14.5 in (36.83 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Bronze,Copper
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1940-1949
Date of Manufacture:
1940's
Condition:
Considering its 69 years age and use, it is in absolutely fine condition overall. Years ago, the helmet was lacquered and some of the coating is abraded. There are the kind of dents and abrasions that are there from use, the largest two of which are on the upper left. The air vents are all intact. The right side chin relief valve, spit cock handle, front door wing nut, all turn easily. The speaker housing is empty. No check valve is fitted, and neither the comm or the air elbow have a nut. Everything you can think of has a 326 stamp and the customary inspector's cartouche. Copyright 2012 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved.
Seller Location:
Palm City, FL
Reference Number:
1stDibs: U1208269257106

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