This United States Navy Mark V helmet is a unique and modified combination of bonnet and breastplate which identifies it as a helmet that was in heavy use.
The breastplate is a 1944 Morse with a serial number 927, identified with Morse maker's plate along with a US Navy anchor stamp. The bonnet is a 1941 DESCO serial number 4231. US Navy Mark V diving equipment was a standard military specification manufactured by several suppliers, including DESCO and Morse, so parts were compatible enough to put together as needed, extending the useful life of a vital piece of dive gear. Part of the Standard Diving Dress, helmets of this type were generally used in ship repair and maintenance along with recovery, salvage, demolition and other tactical operations.
Founded 100 years apart, Morse in 1837 and DESCO in 1937, the two companies merged in 2016. We recently sent this helmet to DESCO/A.J. Morse Diving for repair and they helped identify and date the breastplate and bonnet from their archives.
