Naprawiacz
Well-known member
The item cleaned with a paste made from citric acid mixed with baking soda and a little water.I applied the paste with a toothbrush.For a more difficult piece I used a brush with brass wires.
As a newbie is what you have done to clean it, just to remove the grime and dirt and leave the patina?
The reason I ask in my other collecting world, I have a thing for Colt Percussion pistols from 1847-1873, cleaning them is good, removing the patina bad. Is this the same for pickelhaubes?
As a newbie is what you have done to clean it, just to remove the grime and dirt and leave the patina?
The reason I ask in my other collecting world, I have a thing for Colt Percussion pistols from 1847-1873, cleaning them is good, removing the patina bad. Is this the same for pickelhaubes?
From a professional Restorer I got this hint to clean metal parts. Take cleaning alcohol and finest crayon chalk (the matherial for the stucco). Mix it to make a fine paste out of it and clean the metal-parts with a Q-Tip. After drying the crayon chalk can be easily removed with a soft brush, because the alcohol evaporates without leaving any residue.
You are right that is so cool.Wojtek
Thank you for the information on cleaning brass parts. I have used citrus, lemon or lime juice to clean brass and sterling metal items, but never as tarnished as the wappen you cleaned. The use of baking soda powder seems to do the job.
Nick, Brian is pretty much on cleaning or leaving pickelhauben in ”found condition;” I use several factors to decide what I like related to displaying a helmet. Here is an example of what I chose recently to leave as is because the condition tells a story.
1908 DATED PRUSSIAN RESERVE INFANTRY PICKELHAUBE
This Pickelhaube is a war trophy brought back to England by British Army Veteran. I was immediately attracted to it because it has the field worn and captured look about it. Of course, my first inclination was to clean off the dirt accumulated on it over the years. But my attraction to it was...www.pickelhaubes.com
That said, a mint or near mint might be dusted but cleaning should be avoided.
John
Examine the photos in enlargement. Do you see any damage to the material? A brass brush so delicate to pull off the first layer. I am writing this as a practitioner, not a theorist. With this condition of the subject, no chemistry will do a miracle, but what do I know?AAAAHHHHHHH....a brass wire brush...........NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Just use Hagerty Silver foam and a gentle touch. NEVER a wire brush......