Bavarian Reserve Officer

[poniatowski]

Coming over from the 'Latest Find' thread, the biggest challenge here will be sewing on the neck guard. Thankfully, I have very fine drill bits to clean the holes that are around 2mm apart. It will just take time and patience. I have yet to purchase fine needles and cotton thread for the sewing, but I'm in no rush. In the meantime, I'll try to locate replacement chinscales. No markings... so infantry? Foot or Field artillery? I dunno yet. No silk inside, but the leather is present.
No more cleaning than a light removal of dust and I hope I won't have to remove the front plate at all, because it looks as if it's been on for a long time.

 

[kenny_k]

Sewing is a snap. The worst task is to remove the old thread. I use a tailor's tool to trim and at the same time imprint the thread trace on the skin. Using a machine needle, I think of a size 60-70 to enlarge the hole. Using pins, I fix the position. I sew using two hand sewing needles or a semi-automatic hand sewing needle. Good luck with your work.

 

[poniatowski]

Sewing is a snap. The worst task is to remove the old thread. I use a tailor's tool to trim and at the same time imprint the thread trace on the skin. Using a machine needle, I think of a size 60-70 to enlarge the hole. Using pins, I fix the position. I sew using two hand sewing needles or a semi-automatic hand sewing needle. Good luck with your work.

I'd never have thought of a sewing machine needle! Do you make a loop on the 'under' side and thread another 'string' through it, as on a sewing machine? I've done the double needle method and was thinking of that... but have to buy good needles.

 

[kenny_k]

As for sewing on two needles. This technique can be found on YouTube - handmade shoes. I think it was a video from Japan. I use such a device. It speeds up sewing considerably. A little practice and it goes great. I used it to hem the back visor of an officer. Pictures in my post.

 

[poniatowski]

Step 1 is completed on the neck guard. A little time drilling out the old threads was trouble free. Some thread material refused to be removed from the area between the holes, and I'm not going to mess with it.

 

[kenny_k]

Good job . I remove the old threads with a needle and tweezers.

 

[b.loree]

Yes, eliminate all old original thread remains using tweezers or pick at it with a needle.

 

[poniatowski]

After getting rid of old threads, I finished tapping the holes on the helmet itself. As suggested, got the 'tools of the trade' and had no problem attaching one side of the visor today. Other side tomorrow.

 

[poniatowski]

Visor is stitched, now on to the spike base, which has some small kinks to remove. There's a name inside that looks like 'Gustav' somebody? I'll try to figure it out, maybe find out who he was and what kind of unit (so I can get the proper chin scales).

 

[Kaiser Wilhelm II]

Keep up the good work.

 

[kenny_k]

My question is whether the tip was made that way. Because I don't see it. This is how it should look according to the original. Overall it looks like very good sewing. Congratulations on your hard work.

 

[poniatowski]

My question is whether the tip was made that way. Because I don't see it. This is how it should look according to the original. Overall it looks like very good sewing. Congratulations on your hard work.

Kenny, GOOD EYE! I think you mean the thread going over the very tip of the neck guard. On the left side, it does that, but on the right, it goes slightly under. I thought it was odd too, but didn't drill a new hole or anything. Also, I was impressed with how the holes lined up as I sewed, very easy overall.

 

[kenny_k]

This is what I had in mind. Sometimes it's hidden behind the end of the back cover. I think so it's like the manufacturer sewing the cover has an angle to the sewing machine. After all, the picklehaube was handmade too .