Tight Fitting Garde Chicken!

Hello Fella's,
I have recently aquired an M15 Garde Artillery EM helmet in superb original condition and Garde stamped etc. The thing is that the plate fits like a steel glove. You have to literally 'flex' the wings of the bird to fit it back into the holes in the shell. So much so that I'm wondering if this vice-like grip could do the shell any damage? The plate is, I would say certainly the original plate to this helmet - so exact is the imprint in the shellac surface and the snugness of the wraparound fit. I think I have encountered this phenomena on Garde M15's before - when the plate is off and you offer it up to the shell, the holes seem wider by a good 1 cm. Is this normal?
I know it's been on there for 90+ years and it has not caved in, but do you think the pressure exerted could damage it eventually? The front visor is slightly flattened mid section and the front of the shell where the bird's feet sit has too, but only slightly but I think this could be the reason?

Any thoughts, and has anyone else encountered this tight fit syndrome?
 
spikeymikey said:
The thing is that the plate fits like a steel glove. You have to literally 'flex' the wings of the bird to fit it back into the holes in the shell.

Perfect. :thumbleft: I have many like this. Photos?
 
Thank's for the replies Guy's. Sound's like I'm worrying over nothing again. I'll post some photographs in the next couple of weeks back in England, but it's really just a common or garden M15 Garde Artillery job after all. I'm quite flattered that you should want to see it.
 
Yes Mikey, the untouched orignal helmets that have seen good care over the years all have wappen that seem to suck right up against the shell. Consequently, I can only echo..."this is a good thing". I do not have a Garde Arty M15 so I would love to see some pics myself. Especially the markings. Brian
 
Cheers Brian, yes, this one has been well kept and looks like it was a very good quality from the off. It has a black liner and brass grommetts. The mark is just the normal 'KBAG' though, with no specific Regiment mark.
 
Make no mistake Garde artillary helmets do not grow on tree's! I have a felt garde artillary helmet, but would love to see yours.

James
 
Mikey- I think I have posted these before?, but here they are again.

James

garde1.jpg


garde2.jpg


garde3.jpg
 
James,
Nifty helmet! I also like the Japanese swords lurking in the background. Can you tell us about them? Steve
 
Great eyes on the Japanese swords, currently my brother has them both looking up makers etc. I will get him to reply and maybe show some pictures.

James
 
That is superb James. Is it all original? It looks like it is, and in top nick too. I'm not so keen on filz normally, but this one really does it.
 
Thanks guy's, yes totally original all the way through! One of the first helmets I picked up around 10 years ago or so.

James
 
nice helmet .I like to see the felt helmets . Mike you have to pose the helmet so we can pick out the other haubes that we like to see . :lol: .
Nice Garde Piece .
Mark G.
 
I will Mark, but it wont be for a week or so. I'll do the Sachsen Artillery NCO helmet as well. How's the reforming of your new JzP visor going, and did you find the regimental number by the sidepost?
 
I have not touched the peak the rear has a nice lttle crease in it .I have straightened it out a bit ,but will not put more damage to it.
No markings behind the cockades ,just the 59 on the rear trim .
I will be cleaning some areas that are currently showing rust with methods from Brian .
 
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