Schrader’s Son United States Navy Mark V Diving Helmet, circa 1942, #57A Manufactured by A. Schrader’s Son, Div. Mod. No.1, March 1942, Brooklyn, N.Y., 12 bolt with serial number 57A on the maker’s tag affixed to the chest plate. Stamped with the US Navy Anchor Inspection mark and #7407, corresponding stamps #1235 on both the helmet and chest plate.  Front plate stamped Front, back plate stamped Back. The gasket below the patent valve stamped “Mfd. by Battery ESS Tel Equip. Co. Inc.”. Inside rim of helmet stamped #1402, on custom wood stand. Per US-Government specifications, all Mark V helmets were to be dated with at least the month and year they were produced.

This helmet was made by the A. Schrader’s Son Company, Brooklyn New York. Schrader started making diving helmets and related equipment in the 1840s. They fine-tuned their diving helmet design and became a major supplier to the US Navy. The company went on to be  one of the major suppliers of the Mark V from 1916 till shortly after World War II. During World War II only two companies were making dive helmets for the U.S. Navy. The Mark V was used for submarine rescue and salvage work during this period.  During the 1850s, August Schrader, a German immigrant, was a dealer in rubber products and supplied fittings and valves for Goodyear. In 1849, in partnership with Christian Baecher they developed a copper helmet for diving and the company evolved from there.

Height with Stand 25 in. Width of Wood Base 18 ½ in. x 18 ½ in.