Dive Helmets
Here are a few of our most requested/ favorite helmets to use during events.
A. Schrader & Son was founded in 1844, making them the second oldest dive manufacturer in the USA, A. J. Morse & Son being the first. This Mark V has seen a few changes in its life, most noticeable is the large front port. It measures 8 1/2 inches across giving the diver great visibility. Some of the other changes include an air control valve added to the left side of the bonnet, a bale out connection on the front of the breast plate, and the spitcock being removed. The modifications were done in order to better fit the diver’s needs while working as a part of the California abalone industry.
Morse designed the No. 15 or shallow water dive helmet in the 1930’s. The helmet is made of spun copper. In the front of the helmet is a large unobstructed window made of shatterproof glass, curved to conform to the helmet.
Lead weights, neatly shaped, fit snugly to the lower portion of the helmet, one at the front and one at the back. Each weight is held in place by two anchored brass bolts with wing nuts.
A suitable channel built into the head of the helmet distributes the incoming air about the diver’s face.
The helmet weight is approximately 60 pounds total, and sold for $120.00 new in 1937.
DESCO has been around since 1937, and still makes helmets to this day.
This is a four light, 12 bolt AGAR helmet that was modified by Bob Kirby and Dick Quitner for Associated Divers. The most notable additions are the Morse air control valve fitted onto the bonnet and the use of lexan for all the ports.
This 4 light 12 bolt helmet was made by DESCO and designed by the Brass Hat Diver team in 2023. Our main goal was to make a light weight helmet with a large front port. We picked our favorite parts from many different styles of helmets, and even took inspiration from a few famous films. Some of the most noticeable features are the square front port and carrying handle, which is standard on the DESCO shallow water. The breast plate has a bailout connection and the front brails have lashing rings, which was popular with light weight commercial hats of the 60’s.