FAMOUS HEINKE
12 BOLT ROUND CORSELET
DIVE HELMET
Stand Not Included
Presented is a very rare Heinke12 Bolt Round Corselet dive helmet. Heinke used gun metal when they began production of helmets in quantity. This helmet is copper and brass, with much of the tinning evident, and in excellent condition. It was believed that about 150 of these models were produced. This helmet has the designation H99 marked on all parts including the brailes.
Presented is a very rare Heinke12 Bolt Round Corselet dive helmet. Heinke used gun metal when they began production of helmets in quantity. This helmet is copper and brass, with much of the tinning evident, and in excellent condition. It was believed that about 150 of these models were produced. This helmet has the designation H99 marked on all parts including the brailes.
Its front port opens and all movable parts operate. The bonnet is mounted on the breastplate using interrupted threads and turns freely. There is a lever and adjustable nut on the back to lock the bonnet in position and keep the helmet from turning. The brailes and tag have the proper markings, and there are air vents inside.
DIMENSIONS: 18″ H x 14″ W x 16 3/4″ D
Weight 52 lbs
The previous owner of these fine helmets was Pete Berdzar, a Navy diver who worked much of his career out of Point Loma and the Marshall Islands where the Navy was mothballing and disposing of ships and performing salvage operations. After active duty, he continued to be involved in Naval operations. It appears that most of his career was with the 7th Fleet in the Pacific. At one point, he was involved with a program training sea lions and dolphins to retrieve ordinance and perform other duties. He also worked out of the Naval Air Weapons Station at China Lake, CA, and did some flight training at Miramar. His collection of over 40 dive helmets included a number of Mark Vs, along with the ones we are offering.
G.F. Heinke started business in England in 1820, and in 1905, became C.E. Heinke & Co. Ltd. They were a major factor in the diving industry where they continued to operate very successfully, winning many accolades over several years for their equipment. Many of the company records were destroyed during the Blitz in WW II. In 1961/62, they were taken over by Siebe Gorman & Co. Ltd. The new company continued to use the Siebe Heinke name until 1967/68 when Heinke was dropped from the trade name.
This helmet is being sold for DISPLAY ONLY. It should not be dived without certification from an authorized dive shop.
Maker’s tag
Inside helmet – air vents
Inside Bonnet Breastplate
CONDITION: The helmet is in excellent condition with all movable parts working.