chinstrap
Active member
Obviously this isn't a pickelhaube, but I'd like to pick the brains of those of you who are into restoration.This is a 19th century Staffordshire Yeomanry Albert pattern helmet which I bought recently. It's in excellent condition, except that when I cleaned it up what looked like tarnished white metal fittings (which would be correct) came up looking like brass. They are not, however, as the back of the helmet plate and the decorative band under the rosettes is white metal. It therefore seems to have been painted but it must have been done exceptionally well as there's no sign of paint on the helmet around the intricate decorative bands which are riveted on, and couldn't have been taken off for painting. I know there are a variety of products which will strip the 'brass' paint, particularly if used with ultra fine steel wool, and I'm wondering about taking the fittings back to the white metal.However, whilst I can remove most of the elements to to do this, I would have to do the decorative bands and peak trim in situ and I'm concerned that anything I do, even very carefully, may also damage the japanning, which I understand is oven heated paint. Can anybody comment or advise?
Better still, does anybody know a legitimate reason why the fittings on a Staffs helmet should have been changed in this way?
Thanks
Patrick
Better still, does anybody know a legitimate reason why the fittings on a Staffs helmet should have been changed in this way?


Thanks
Patrick