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I gave my friend my opinion on the shell and he agreed with me. I then asked whether he wanted to trade it for some German items in my own collection and a trade was made. The attraction in the shell was more to do with the restoration involved rather than the item itself. It represented a challenge.
When I began the restoration I had already decided that I would spend weeks or even months on it. I would also document its restoration through photographs.
Firstly a sharp cutter was used to remove most of the plaster. Then, using the proper tools of a decreasing size I removed the material from the outside of the shell. To make this procedure easier I divided the shell into segments using tape so that I could work over a section at a time. Sometimes the smallest pieces of paint and plaster had to be removed with a needle!
The paint on the inside was carefully removed with nail varnish remover. A month had passed but the helmet already looked far better than before. An added surprise at the end of the cleaning process was the discovery of a third insignia! This was the tactical marking for an officer a white bar on the rear of the shell!
There are still one or two decisions left to be decided. Should I add an original chin strap or leave it as it was? Where the metalwork is laid bare by the paint and plaster having taken it off then these areas of metal may be darkened with gun metal cleaner.
The results of this fantastic restoration can be seem below. Compare these images with those on the previous page. Finally this helmet has been given the care and respect it deserves.
Copyright 2007 Ironcrown & Lerenfort.
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