My first restoration, sort of.

[Sirjames1]

Thank you for letting me join your forum. I’ve read lots of great posts on restorations. I have a few pickelhaubes that need significant work but have not had the knowledge to do anything with them. This forum is giving me some courage to take them on. However, I decided that I should practice on something that’s not valuable, so I bought a cheap reproduction helmet that has been badly neglected or abused. It’s a cheap one from India, but is was dried out, cracked, dented and wrinkled. I figured it would be an excellent Guinea pig. I should have take before photos, but I think it turned out ok for what it is. The last photos are of my next project that I found at a local antique store for $90, figured it was worth it . I willingly accept any advice.
James

 

[b.loree]

Welcome to the forum James, you are smart to start learning "restoration" on an inexpensive repro helmet. I started decades ago on an original Prussian M15, the most common helmet available to collectors. What are the problems with this piece that need fixing?

 

[Sirjames1]

Thank you. Biggest problems are, it’s shrinking caused the areas around the chin strap attachment points to cave in. I’ve put in in warm water briefly and put it on a form to reshape it. The rear visor is missing, I have found one that seems to be the right size but obviously the holes are not going to line up. The front visor needs to be restiched as well. Also missing the rear spine. Have not been able to find a replacement. The lacquer is actually in descent shape and not to worried about that. I actually found an eagle that fits, but is from a different manufacturer.

 

[Sirjames1]

I have started resorting one of my originals. It’s in the reshaping stage. I got the dents out.

 

[aicusv]

Good luck with your project. Rear spines are not all the same size.

 

[Sandmann]

Welcome to the Forum James and good luck to your restoration project