RARE MORSE U.S. NAVY
WW II DEEP SEA LEATHER DIVE BELT

       

Overall Dimension of belt  52” L x 5” W x 1/4” T               One
weight 7 1/2 pounds
                 Total
weight 36 lbs                                                 Markings.
See below

Presented
is a rare example of a Navy deep sea dive belt from the WW II Era made of leather with brass buckles and lead weights.
It was used with a Navy MK V helmet which is also being offered for sale. See https://landandseacollection.com/id1050.html 

The overall length is 52 inches
by 5 inches wide.  There is space for 10 bolt on weights. Only four were fitted for use on this belt with each weighing 7
1/2 pounds.  Additional weights could be added. The shoulder straps are 48 inches long by 1 1/2 inches wide.
The total weight as pictured is 36 pounds. Eight brass bolts hold the weights to the belt. It is missing one of the eight
brass bolts.

The dive
belt is being sold for display and should be taken to a dive shop for certification.

 

Close-up of the center of the Morse Diving Equipment Co., Inc. weight. Name dates to Ca 1940.

CONDITION
and MARKINGS: The leather show considerable wear. We have not tested its serviceability and are selling it for display.
The weight are held on by eight brass nuts and bolts. One of the bolts is missing. The belt that goes from front to back
under the crotch is missing.  All of the weights are marked Morse Diving Equipment Co., Inc., Boston, Mass on its face.

Morse WWII Navy Dive Belt rolled up for shipping or transporting

BRIEF HISTORY OF MORSE DIVING: In the arena
of deep sea diving, there are few companies with the longevity and history of Morse Diving. The company was founded in 1837
as a Boston maker of brass ware, three years before Englishman Augustus Siebe manufactured its first closed air dive helmet.
During the Civil War, the firm commenced building maritime fittings and began experimenting with early underwater hardhat
designs from Siebe-Gorman and other pioneering makers. In 1864, Andrew Morse bought out his partner, introduced his sons into
the business, and began to focus on creating new products for underwater salvage expeditions. In 1904, that firm became A.
J. Morse and Sons, Inc., under which name it continued until 1940. Then the name Morse was re-incorporated as Morse Diving
Equipment Company, Inc. Finally in 1998, the company changed owners, and became Morse Diving Inc. under the leadership of
Ken & Donna Downey.
 

Side view of of twin belts and buckles of  Morse Navy WW II leather dive belt

PROVENANCE:
From a collector who is selling because of a family illness.

A great addition to a dive collection or, after a rebuild, to be
put back in service after inspection by a certified dive shop.