My optimistic 1895 helmet restoration

[MG34NZ]

Here’s a helmet that had languished on my shelf for quite some time, this was in a bulk lot of three neglected helmet shells I found on eBay.fr . The only thing remotely interesting about these helmet shells was this one with MG markings as I have a misguided passion for MG08’s. I rehydrated the leather on this helmet which had shrunken up and resembled a squashed football, with a little patience the shell has reshaped surprisingly well. There were holes in the shell which I have reinforced with leather patches and further down the track these will be filled with some epoxy type filler. The shell measures around 58 cm around the circumference.
I believe it to be a Bavarian shell but the lugs on the wappen I have are a little wide ( half a hole out) . I have a replacement spike, brass domed rivets, spike reinforcing plate, chin strap lugs. I’m fairly sure there’s a liner somewhere in my horde which may fit. To complete this project I need to find a front visor and rear spine.

 

[Louis]

I wish you the best of luck, and hope you find the pieces you are looking for!

 

[MG34NZ]

I can update with a little progress
I was given a front visor which is now stitched in place. Still need visor trim and rear spine but I’m happy with the progress to date.

 

[Sandmann]

Well done, the paint and stitching looks great

 

[Tenente]

I can update with a little progress
I was given a front visor which is now stitched in place. Still need visor trim and rear spine but I’m happy with the progress to date.

Nicely done so far.

 

[Louis]

Looking good! Can I ask what you used to patch the bald spots?

 

[ccj]

You do great work. It looks good. I have a very nice helmet that needs a hole plugged but I know I don’t have the ability to try on such a nice and expensive helmet. I’ll have to hire an expert

 

[MG34NZ]

Looking good! Can I ask what you used to patch the bald spots?

Leather patch glued in place, thin leather applied to the inside of the patched area as reinforcement. Then epoxy filler (automotive) to finish.

 

[MG34NZ]

Some small progress, a visor trim fitted ( reproduction) I need to alter two retaining studs as the pins are a bit short then it will look better.
Still looking for the elusive rear spine

 

[b.loree]

Nice work! Finding a replacement spine that fits is always a challenge. The 58 cm size also adds to the problem as most helmets were smaller.

 

[Naprawiacz]

Write to Eric and he will sell you the goods outside the auction.https://www.ebay.pl/itm/325640826487?hash=item4bd1b4ae77:g:MM0AAOSwnyFkUfkG

 

[Naprawiacz]

https://www.ebay.pl/itm/325640824174?hash=item4bd1b4a56e:g:T58AAOSwql5kUfgm

 

[MG34NZ]

Essentially this is the size rear spine I need

 

[MG34NZ]

Write to Eric and he will sell you the goods outside the auction.https://www.ebay.pl/itm/325640826487?hash=item4bd1b4ae77:g:MM0AAOSwnyFkUfkG

I have sent an message via eBay, thank you