About
Helmets of the Deep
by
Leslie Leaney
Very Deep Pockets Required
This column was introduced in issue #8, summer 1996, to expand on the content of the 1988 book of the same title by Leon Lyons. The HDS carried that book as an inventory item for several years and many members were introduced to the array of different international helmets that were shown in its 370 pages. There were only slightly over 1,000 copies printed. - 900 hard bound, that sold for $287, and 100 leather bound, that sold for $487. The book eventually sold out as more people became interested in researching diving history, and also collecting helmets. With the supply of new books gone, the price of the book in the used market steadily rose. While it is impossible to say exactly what books were changing hands for, a general guide was that by the beginning of 2006 a hard bound edition in good + condition would sell for around US$1,000.
It was very difficult to find a copy through the traditional used book sellers, and more luck could be had by searching the internet auctions, which sometimes had books located overseas. However, with so few books published, and most of them in divers libraries, the number of unsuccessful people trying to obtain a copy of the book started to rise.
On October 3, 2006 a hard bound copy listed on an internet auction site sold for a surprising $3,302, with 55 bids. It is probable that this high sales price encouraged other people to put their own copies up for auction, as shortly thereafter this rare book suddenly became available as several more copies were listed in auctions. On October 19, a leather bound edition reached a staggering $5,748! As recorded on our auction pages, many collectible authentic helmets sell for less than that price. The times they are a' changing.
The following is a record of some of the prices realized around this period, with additional information taken from the auction listings. As we go to press the odd copy is still turning up on the internet and selling around $2,500.
October 3, 2006. Hard bound edition with dust jacket # 850 of 900, signed and dated 12-16-99. Located in Alaska. Sold $3,302.
October 8, 2006. Hard bound edition with dust jacket. Stated as 1 of 3 "Presentation Edition Overrun." Located in Nebraska. Sold $3,720.
October 19, 2006. Leather bound edition with dust jacket # 30 of 100 inscribed to J. Halicger (?), dated 10-21-88. Located in Massachusetts. Sold $5,748.
October 20, 2006. Hard bound edition with dust jacket # 11 of 900, signed and dated 1-19-89. Located in Australia. Also contained the signatures of Bob Kirby and "the designer of the 12 bolt fiberglass Drager." Sold $3,198.
October 27, 2006. Hard bound edition with dust jacket # 845 of 900. Located in New York. Mint copy used only as a display item by the HDS. Sold $2,148.
October 31, 2006. Leather bound edition with dust jacket # 61 of 100, signed and dated 8-23-2000. Located in Spain. Sold $3,173.
November 2, 2006. Hard bound edition with dust jacket # 378 of 900, signed and dated 26 Jan 1994. Located in Dorset, United Kingdom. Sold $ 2,959.
November 22, 2006. Hard bound edition with dust jacket # 873 of 900, signed and dated in 2000. Located in Greece. Sold $1,893.
November 28, 2006. Hard bound edition with dust jacket # 725 of 900, signed and dated. Located in Cape Cod. Sold $1,775.
November 30, 2006. Hard bound edition with dust jacket # 294 of 900, signed and dated 10-12-92. Located in Maldon, United Kingdom. Sold $1,407.
December 10, 2006. Hard bound edition with dust jacket # 478 of 900, signed and dated 11-06-95. Located in Saugus, California. Sold $1,515.
December 11, 2006. Hard bound edition with dust jacket # 872 of 900, signed and dated in 2000. Located in Greece. Sold $2,100.
Dorothy Barstad of California Classic Equipment Divers also covered this story and recorded some sales in issues 33 and 34 of the groups excellent newsletter, The Com Line located on-line @ www.calclassic.org.
