Battle Damaged Camo Helmet

[ironcross1]

Hi guys , a question often asked my many of us when we get hold of a rusty or relic type lid is do ya clean it or leave it as it is , i personaly take each helmet in this condition on its merits .Heres one such lid i picked up from the states a few weeks back , i could make out the camo paint but thought a good clean would bring the colours back to life , so here she is before and after , i left the inside pretty much alone just soft brush to get surface rust off , cheers Raymond

[Steven M]

Hi Raymond,

I prefer them as is, but we each have our own preference. I feel that since these are nearly 100 years old, I prefer to let it look the part and age gracefully. That is part of their "charm".

[SpenceMortlock]

Hi Raymond,

I personally like what you have done with this helmet, I in no way think it detracts from the "originality" of the item. I understand about leaving items alone, but it is a personal thing, and in this instance I like it. I wouldn't clean decorations, except obvious loose dirt, but making something more presentable for display like this helmet

What did you use to bring out the paint?

Cheers,

Spence

[ironcross1]

Hello Steven , and Spence , thanks for your comments and points of view , as i said in my post we all have different views as to the cleaning of these items .
Steve , i know exactly what you mean and generaly i do just that , but the odd patern , the colours and the fact its the the first ww1 camo i have , i just had to clean her a little
Spence , i to think its bought the lid back to life , but on the other hand , i have another i got a few weeks back , battle damaged , and still with dried mud in the lugs , this one i didnt touch at all , ill post it here soon.
As to cleaning the outside , well i know it sounds horrific but its a drian cleaning product called Drian Opener , made in the states , it eats up dirt and crime and doesnt effect the paint , iv used it a bit on some of my ground dug relics , works very well . thanks guys , cheers Raymond

[gibba1008]

Fantastic job mate..... i like the left as is look ordinarily but with this paint scheme lurking underneath you have done the right thing!!
Shes a beauty!!

[GasMasksUK]

Relic helmets dont get much better than this, you have made a great job cleaning it even if it isnt to everyones tastes

Thanks

Danny

[Panzer 3]

Hi Raymond,
what a great buy it,s a lovely helmet you have a real good lid there.
I would have brought out the colours on it as well, i think it brings out the best of the helmet. and a small size helmet to, i need one for my collection i have the larger size at the moment.
Well done.
dave.

[ironcross1]

Thanks guys , im realy pleased with this lid , it was the first time i had a chance to own a ww1 camo , i got it realy cheap from a nice guy on another forum , had it for sale at $295 US , i thought id be a cheeky bugga and made him a real early offer with all i had spear at $155 US (New Zealand with postage $236 ) he said yes , i was over the moon, Cheers Raymond

[Adler]

Outstanding!

Adler

[TRT]

And it is the M18 pattern with remains of carbine clip chin strap buckle. Re restoration, I would have left it but it is your helmet and your choice. I respect that.

TRT