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Details
A. Schrader’s Son Inc. Brooklyn, New York, Serial Number 1339.
Schrader conversion from USN Mark II helmet to USN Mark IV helmet.
Originally a USN Mark II style helmet with a 5-bolt neck ring, this model was converted by Schrader to the interrupted-thread neck ring system introduced as USN standard on the USN Mark V system as published in the USN 1916 Diving Manual.
Schrader had the Navy contract for converting the Navy Mark I (Morse) and Mark II (Schrader) helmet inventory, with bolt neck rings, to the interrupted thread system, making them Mark III (Morse) and Mark IV (Schrader) USN standard helmets as described in the 1916 Manual. The conversion was probably done in the 1917-1920 period.
BONNET. The bonnet is sound with the original exhaust and interior head button, and all the interior air ducting. The four ports are all glass, not later plexiglass replacements, and the face port unscrews easily.
In the conversion from Mark II to Mark IV the telephone transceiver housing between the front and right port was removed, as was the telephone cable inlet bracket to the lower left of the top light.
The air inlet elbow has been reinforced with solder and three of the side port guards are missing screws.
The bonnet shell shows minor working dings and dents and retains a strong dark brown patina.
BREASTPLATE. The breastplate has the original manufacturer’s plaque which is clear, and also the neck ring locking pin and chain.
All four straps are original with FRONT and BACK stampings, and the eight wing nuts and four flange nuts are Schrader originals.
The breastplate shell shows very minor working dings and dents and retains a strong dark brown patina.
The bonnet and breastplate separate and reconnect cleanly.
This is a tall helmet with an excellent full overall patina and shows well. It is complete with its original manufacturer’s plaque and features the large and wide breastplate that Schrader helmets are famous for.