WWII Schrader Navy Diving Boots Linked to USS Gear

Identified WWII Navy diving boots were used aboard the USS Gear (ARS-34), a robust rescue and salvage ship.

What makes these WWII NAVY DIVING BOOTS important

Every so often, a piece of naval history comes across my desk at North Bay Antiques that stops me in my tracks. After 48 years as a maritime antique dealer, I’ve handled countless diving helmets, salvage tools, and dive suits — but this pair of 1942 Schrader leather diving boots stands among the very best I’ve ever encountered.

These Navy diving boots were built for service beneath the waves during World War II. Crafted with oak soles, each engraved with Schrader’s name and the year of manufacture, they carry with them the unmistakable weight of history. The brass toe caps are especially notable, stamped with U.S. Navy inspection marks and the designation ARS-34, which identifies them as originating from the USS Gear. Only for a brief period during the war did the Navy apply such inspection markings to diving boots, making this pair not only rare but historically significant.

Despite their age, the leather is still remarkably pliable. The original laces and buckles are all present and intact — a testament both to Schrader’s craftsmanship and to the care with which these boots were preserved.

The USS Gear (ARS-34)

The connection to USS Gear elevates these WWII Navy diving boots even further. Commissioned as a Diver-class rescue and salvage ship, Gear was tasked with aiding stricken vessels — a dangerous but critical role in the Pacific theater. Over the course of the war, she earned 13 battle stars, participating in some of the most pivotal operations of the conflict, including the invasions of Saipan, Tinian, and Okinawa.

Beyond battle, Gear provided essential towing, salvage, and repair services that kept the fleet moving. After the war, she continued to serve with the Alaskan Sea Frontier before being decommissioned in 1946.

WWII Navy diving boots, dated 1942 and stamped with US Navy inspection marks and ARS-34 (USS Gear).

A Legacy Preserved

For collectors and historians alike, this pair of Schrader diving boots represents more than just a piece of gear. They are a tangible connection to the divers who braved dangerous waters, the salvage crews who kept ships afloat, and the unsung heroes who were aboard the USS Gear and played a vital role in the Allied victory.

At North Bay Antiques, we take pride in curating and preserving rare maritime artifacts like this — pieces that not only showcase exceptional craftsmanship but also carry with them the legacy of naval history. This remarkable pair of boots is, without a doubt, the finest I’ve come across in my career, and a true testament to the stories preserved in leather and brass.

👉 Explore more rare maritime finds at NorthBayAntiques.com.