Rusty Grey Metal Helmet Plate

[Popskipa]

I would like the advice of the forum please.

It is regarding a grey metal finish model 1915 enlisted mans picklehaube helmet plate that is covered with surface rust.

What should I use to remove the rust, would Renaissance Metal De-Corroder be suitable or what else is recommend please?

Also, once the rust is removed and back to the metal is there any way to restore the grey finish please?

Thank you for looking, Keith

 

[pickelhauben]

Scroll down and I have a post addressing this same topic.

 

[Popskipa]

Thank you Pickelhauben.

 

[Popskipa]

I submerged helmet plate overnight in Evaporust, then rinsed in water, dried, and coated with Renaissance Wax. I also gave the spike an hour in the Evaporost before using Renaissance Wax on all the metal parts and black shoe polish on the leather. I think you’ll agree the results are a vast improvement.

Now to find a pair of original cockades and chinstrap with grey metal parts - I would appreciate any help please…

Thank you for looking, Keith

 

[Peter B]

Looks great.

 

[Verdun]

Hello,
the result is spectacular !

 

[Amybellars]

Wow you have done a beautiful job

 

[Naprawiacz]

Fantastic effect, congratulations.

 

[Popskipa]

Wow you have done a beautiful job

Amy thank you for the helmet and the kind words.

Please look out for suitable cockades and chin strap.

Best wishes, Keith

 

[pickelhauben]

It does look great.
I have never heard of any products that you have used.

 

[Popskipa]

It does look great.
I have never heard of any products that you have used.

Evapo-Rust and Renaissance Wax are both available on Amazon.

A Google search should help you find a local supplier if you live outside the UK.

My experience isn’t the only good one using Evapo-Rust, your link to the refurbishment thread (above) had a post from another forum member who had similar success with Evapo-Rust. I suspect the original German production method of oxidising the metal helmet plate and fittings has something to do with it, but I am not an expert in chemistry or metallurgy and cannot be sure.

Keith

 

[Pontiac9999]

Looks good !

 

[ccj]

Can you use Renaissance Wax on gilt or silver finished Wappens, spikes,etc??

 

[Popskipa]

Can you use Renaissance Wax on gilt or silver finished Wappens, spikes,etc??

Yes you can use Renaissance Wax on all metal finishes. I suggest you experiment with light application on a discreet/not easily seen area first, before you commit to the larger prominent helmet furniture.