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In response to a couple of questions: I don't have any step-by-step photos of this resto. I honestly never imagined it would turn out this well so photos weren't on my mind. I am working on another helmet and will try to document things a little better. Though, on this helmet, the major part of...

Thanks Tony and Joe. That clears it up a little. I should note a garde eagle fits perfectly. So I am confident it is from a garde unit. I suppose my last questions are: spike or kugel? Brass or steel fittings? I do my best to put a helmet back to its original configuration because I abhor fakes.

Thanks everyone. I wasn't going to post this helmet because it started out as such a poor quality piece (not the usual fare for this site). However, it ended up looking really good and I thought I'd share it with everyone. I used a lot of the restoration ideas that are on this forum. So keep...

I have a Garde helmet shell that I'm starting a restoration on soon and I have a couple of questions. No photos at this point, but I don't really need any for the following questions: First, there are two stamps on the rear visor - Fd.A.R. (field artillery regiment I believe) on one side and...

A couple of years ago I acquired this helmet shell. It had a complete liner, front visor trim, and rear spine. Fortunately all of the stitching was tight too. As you can see from the photo below, the condition was less than ideal. I thought I'd take my time searching for parts while working on...

Thanks everyone. I'm really pleased with the result. Now it makes sense to me as to why the spike in non-detachable. Also, I believe they quit putting regimental stamps on around that time so that captured equipment wouldn't automatically give away the regiments facing the enemy. Richard

Thanks Peter. You've done a pretty good job on your restorations lately too. Richard

This helmet was for sale here and on ebay awhile back. I took a chance on it and was very happy when it turned out to be a legit KR2 helm. The before pictures are here: http://pickelhaubes.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=9393&hilit=kr2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; I'm still...

Here are some post-cleaning photos. The cockades aren't the best but that's what I had on hand. After removing the stuck-on cardboard, I just wiped it down and added the missing parts. I think it looks really good with the deep patina. Brian, I agree that we are the caretakers of these items and...

Also, make sure you do this in a well ventilated area. The fumes can be pretty overwhelming so take the proper precautions. Richard

Hi Brian, I'll get some interior photos up soon. As far as the methodology for cleaning, I used Evaporust for the heavier rust and then Blue and Rust Remover by Birchwood Casey. This stuff is for gun restoration so I figured it would work. I soaked #0000 steel wool and used it to clean the...

Steve, I do go the SOS every year. I found some nice items at this years show. I briefly stopped by the Pickelhaubes.com table but everyone was busy and I was on a time schedule so I didn't get to talk to anyone. Maybe next year we can meet up there. I appreciate the suggestions on cleaning...

Hi Steve, I think you're right. It's all original and been together for decades I'd wager. I spent a couple of hours working on it today. I replaced the missing spike support disk and while the spike was off I wiped it down with a dampened cloth. There was so much dirt I could hardly believe...

Thanks for kind words. I should note the before picture is from the ebay listing and under different lighting. The difference in the shades of gray aren't as pronounced as the pictures indicate. This one was challenging. The rust removal was very tedious and time-consuming. You have to balance...

Thanks Jonas and John. I don't think I will do anything to the the metal parts as they have a very nice matching patina and I'm pleased with the look. I will lightly clean the shell, try to remove the stuck on cardboard, and carefully buff it to restore some of the luster to it but that's all. I...

Just some quick before and after shots of a Lachmann metalhelm. This one sat on ebay for a long time and I made an offer on it and got it for a good price. It's my first metal helmet resto. The only repro part is the chinstrap. Before: After:

Just received my first Garde helmet. Mostly complete but very dirty. It has a maker's mark, A. Wunderlich --Berlin, inside the skull but no issue stamps that I can find. It appears that it has been together for a long time. I removed the wappen and it has a beautiful "ghost" behind it. No...

Look at the interior picture. The brads for the spike aren't crimped down. It looks like it's been messed with a little.

So many things to say about this one, but the liner is the best. Alligator? http://www.ebay.com/itm/301979421837?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Richard

This seller is known for imitations. The eagle looks bad to me. The chin scales are brass and should be tombak and the spike looks too small to me. Would need more pictures before I would consider it.