Two Helmets From Singapore

As promised, I took some photos today of Amy's Garde M15 Tshako. I have applied just one coat of polish to the rest of the shell at the moment. The goal is to match the "patina" of visor and shell. The visor was scoured with 000 steel wool then black polish was applied to reduce it's "shine". I also applied some finish to the top rim of the helmet where some small chips of finish were missing.

I think that does look a bit better than when it arrived. This "refinish work" is slow and take months but the end result is worth it.

Well done Brian,
What a difference
Regards,
Lars

Well done Brian

I like it, well done Brian

Thanks everyone. I had to keep the chin strap, wappen etc. on the helmet throughout the process as the strap is delicate. The buckles which have been on there for over 100 years would have to be moved in order to get the strap up over the shell. I was not going to take any chances.

Very nice job breathing new life into an old war horse!

That absolutely looks better.

Fine work, Brian!

Some photos of the final results (finished) of Amy's Artillery Officer helmet:

This refinish has required months of patient shellac applications. However, I think the results are worth it.

All of the crazed area shown in the original "before" pics have been filled in and stabilized. This side was especially at risk.

i am pleased with these results...hopefully Amy will be too. She has been very patient with me. The wappen is missing one brass nut, thus the gap between it and the shell on one side.


Done!

Looking good Brian!

Beautiful result Brian. Well done

Absolutely stunning. Easily could display in a museum now!

Wow, that's a stunner! Nicely done

Well done, BrIan, excellent work!

Shako and haube both are a testament to your skill and patience, and to do that refinish with parts still attached is just breath taking. Amazing job Brian.

A fine job as usual.

Perfection!

Great job Brian! These look amazing after your restoration, a labour of love for sure!

Those look great, Brian! 'Thinner on a cotton ball', what do you use as a thinner?

Ron

It called shellac thinner. You can buy it at Lowe’s or a store that specializes in carpenter/furniture making supplies.

b.loree said:

It called shellac thinner. You can buy it at Lowe’s or a store that specializes in carpenter/furniture making supplies.

Click to expand...

Thanks Brian! I know products differ between the US and Canada, so wanted to get your input. I have a visor from an M15 that shrunk down to the size of a pea, so I'm going to see what it does on that. I have a very crazed officer helmet that I'd like to get the coating to relax and maybe even re-join a bit. Not a major job, but it's bugged me since the 1980's!

Ron