First attempt at a helmet "conservation"

[m2013d04]

(I know this helmet is in a horrible condition, I didn't pay much at all for it, I just wanted to test out some new ways and prevent a relic from decaying over time) I started work on restoring this helmet a week or so ago, not sure what model so if anyone knows please let me know! I soaked it in oxalic acid, cleaned with water, and soap, and preserved it using microcrystalline wax. Unfortunately the color on the exterior of the shell became greenish, I think thats because I messed up the neutralizing process or maybe that was the original color but im not sure, again if you know please let me know!. I definitely would have had an easier time if I removed the liner, but the liner had lots of pins and leather fragments still attached and I didn't want to risk damaging that, the chinstrap, the liner itself, or the helmet. I was still able to bring back a lot of the paint which i'm happy about. Let me know what you guys think. I know it's not an amazing conservation but I think i did decent for the first time haha. If you have any tips I'd love to hear them as well.

[Daniel]

Hello,
It is definitely an m35 or m40 due to the rolled edge. I can't tell from the photos, are the vent holes stamped in to the helmet shell or separate pieces? That would determine the version.
Nice job on the helmet.

Regards,
Daniel

[MAP]

You did well. It is very common for colors to change once exposed to Oxalic acid.

I see the outlines / shadow of a single decal. Plus the very large donut sized vent holes lead me to believe that this is an M40. But only a guess.

[m2013d04]

Thanks! Would you mind circling where you see the decal? I didn’t catch that

[m2013d04]

And the vent holes looks stamped, I’m fairly sure they’re not separate pieces

[MAP]

Thanks! Would you mind circling where you see the decal? I didn’t catch that

Maybe, maybe not

[Danmark]

Good cleanup job!
Enjoy it while it lasts, rust never really sleeps .....

[m2013d04]

wow thanks for letting me know, there is something there, and i'm almost certain it was a decal. I definitely wouldndt have seen that if you hadnt pointed it out

[MAP]

wow thanks for letting me know, there is something there, and i'm almost certain it was a decal. I definitely wouldndt have seen that if you hadnt pointed it out

Our pleasure. I could not see anything on the other side but hard to tell from the photos. If no decal, then unless it was a reissued M35, my guess is that this was a single decal M40 Heer helmet

[m2013d04]

Yep, I checked the other side and I’m fairly sure there isn’t a decal in that side. The paint on the other side is also preserved a lot better so if there was one it should be easier to notice. Thanks again!