UNIQUE A. J. MORSE &
SONS VINTAGE CONTINENTAL MODEL
DIVING BONNET 1945!
DIMENSIONS OF BONNET:
12” H x 13 1/4” W x 14″ D WEIGHT 30 lbs
Presented is a unique four light commercial diving helmet made by A. J. Morse & Sons
Inc. When viewed from the front, the boonets may be mistaken for a Navy MK V dive helmet if they’re fitted
with a front port guard. This one’s guard may have been removed for better visability. It has an unusual coloration
of various shades of deep, dark blue patina sometimes appearing black, making a dramatic appearance. The Serial Number 6025
on the bonnet’s neck ring dates it to 1945. There are only small dents on the bonnet showing it was well taken
care of. What
sets this later style commercial helmet apart from the earlier versions are that their rectangular sidelightare horizontal rather than standing vertical.
Banana exhaust, drop down lock, BES Star wheel
Like all used diving
gear, this is being sold for DISPLAY ONLY. It should not be dived without having passed inspection by a certified dive shop
Inside of bonnet. Arrow points to the unusual air vent
Banana exhaust, drop down lock, BES Star wheel .Inside of bonnet.
CONDITION:
The front door is frozen, but the exhaust valve Star wheel turns. The air passage is in the form of a
single circular duct that is marked by the white arrow. There is a circular patch in the center back close to the neck ring.
The chin button is in place and functions. Field repairs were made to the drop down lock and the bracket slants.
There are small dents, but nothing of consequence. The speaker seems to be original. Overall, the bonnet is in excellent
condition.
This picture shows the drop downlock and patch. Both repaired in the field 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. New partners were added in 2014.
This picture shows no serious dents on this bonnet