A.J. Morse & Son 3 Light Commercial Diving Helmet

Product Features

The A.J.Morse & Son Commercial Diving Helmet made by DESCO is the second generation design. The first generation was created in the 1850s by Andrew Morse. The first gen helmet had what Leon Lyons called a "high dome" two piece bonnet shell. Metal spinning is an ancient craft but did not come into use in diving helmet manufacture unitl the late 1800s. Early Copper shells (bonnet and breastplate) were made in two or more intelocking pieces. The interlocking joints resembled the ramparts on a castle which is why bonnets made like this are called castellated bonnets. The second generation helmets DESCO makes use a one piece bonnet shell Morse called the "Streamlined". 

The AJMS Milwaukee Three Light Commercial helmets are the basic model. It was introduced in the 1890s. Up until that time Morse only offered one helmet in their catalog. In the second generation helmet it was offered in three or four light, with an standard interruped thread neck ring, breastplate air feed neck ring, or a five bolt neck ring.

The helmet is fitted with a "head butt" adjustable single spring exhaust valve mounted to the right rear. The exhaust can be tripped by the diver pushing it open with the back of his head. The helmet comes with a "Navy" type Non-Return Valve. The helmet lock replicates the original lock which did not have a latch gate. We can install a Mark V latch and pin assembly or replicate the early "home made" sheet Brass gate with a pin. If the helmet is to be dived we recommend having a latch installed to prevent the lock from accidentally opening and allowing the bonnet to become unscrewed underwater. 

The breastplate is fitted with studs to hold the old type horseshoe chest and back weights. The bonnet has rope hooks on the sides where the ropes from the rear weight would pass through. The weight helped keep the helmet firmly planted on the divers shoulders. 

The breastplate comes standard with mouse ear wing nuts. There are four washers which are places at the brail joints under the wing nut. Morse offered hex nuts as an option (see polished helmet photos). 

These helmets can be fitted with communications at additional cost.

The helmet can be ordered high polished or hand Tin plated. Due to the extra labor with the tinning process a Tinned helmet is $250.00 additional.