Kurassier Helmet Help

garlanj

garlanj

Active member
Hi all.
I recently acquired a very rusty model 1915 kurassier helmet from the 8th kurassiers - complete except for the spike (which I've now managed to get). I was a little bit lazy when it came to removing the rust from the shell and sent it off to a local metal finishers (who restore antique arms and armour) to get them to clean it up. Clean it up they did - it's come back looking like it's chrome plated!! My question is why should it be so bright? Was something added to the steel? Also, any ideas how I can tone it down so that I don't need to wear RayBans every time I look at it?
Any suggestions (apart from don't get someone else to restore your pride and joy!) gratefully accepted
Cheers
 
http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj487/garlanj/IMG_0447.jpg
http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj487/garlanj/IMG_0449.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Hope this works - see what I mean
 
Boy this is more like a mirror now!
But I guess this is what these looked like straight out of the factory so that wouldn't bother me muchexcept that I'd need to find matching (mint) fittings...
 
I really don't think M15 enlisted helmets were that bright (take a look at the thread with the photo of the helmet pile http://www.pickelhaubes.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6797" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; , the Kurassier helmets there shine, but not like chrome). You might ask them what they did to it, did they just de-rust then buff it, or did they plate it? What does the inside look like? If they didn't plate it, then you can tone it down with some steel wool, but allow others to comment first!!!!! before you do, as I've only seen officer grade helmets buffed that bright. Also, since it's being restored, you can re-paint the trim with the proper gray.
I'd hate to see what they do to medieval armor....

:D Ron
 
Hi,

It is a matter of taste and everybody should do what he/she wants but I always wonder;
What is wrong with a little (very) rust? :D

Do you have some before pictures?

Best regards,
Michel
 
This was what it looked like before they got to work http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj487/garlanj/DSC01246.jpg. I thought it would clean up to a nice semi-matt metal with a few pits in it! They didn't plate it or anything and I've gone all over it with 0000 grade wire wool and it still shines like a good un!
Were these helmest made of an alloy or just standard iron? Strangely I can't find a makers name or date inside - just stamps on the rear rim that say 8K and 57 (regiment and size). Could it have been a reused pre war model?
Also what colour is best for the trim as all the paint has been lost in the derusting process
 
http://www.pickelhaubes.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5624" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Surprising shine indeed. Steel should get duller though. Did you try sone oxydizing liquid? H2O2 (oxygen peroxyde)?..
 
Guys - Thanks for all your positive comments - I don't feel quite so bad now! Once I've finished off the spike and mount I'll post some more pics (don't spose anyone has a spare domed spike mounting bolt they want to get rid of?)
Cheers
 
That was one rusty helmet! I think it is much better now but I hope they didn't buff the wappen or chinstrap as well?

Re. the Domed bolt: Make that 2! I need one for my M15 JZP helmet as well...
 
Wow, that's quiet the transition! It's much easier to dull down the shine a bit than what the restoration people did. Keep going with this, it's going to look GREAT!

:D Ron
 
what is the most popular way to remove rust from fittings? I have used a little water and vinegar in the past with good results but I think the rust will eventually come back.

and that kurassier helmet looks great!! maybe a little to shiny 8) but looks A LOT better than that rusty mess you had before.
 
http://www.evaporust.com/evaporust.html?gclid=CI6n0-niia4CFWnatgodC0rQ3Q" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This product is probably discussed on the forum somewhere, but I didn't take the time to search for it.

It's available at places like Autozone, etc.
 
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