What's left of a Lachmann...

pointystuff

Active member
http://www.ebay.com/itm/German-WW1-Officers-Helmet-With-Scallops-For-Sword-Battle-/330715621230?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d002fe76e" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
 
The shell has a nice shape, is there a way to remove the plating? I know sand blasting might, but then that might also pit the helmet...

:D Ron
 
http://bbs.homeshopmachinist.net/showthread.php?t=41356" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

No telling what's under the chrome.
 
Electrolysis will do it, though I cant remember which way you do the polarity.
Chrome finish reflects the prepared surface, so to get a really shiny chrome finish you need to have a really shiny, polished surface to chrome over. At least thats my experience from plating motorcycle casings and stuff. I do all the prep myself, polishing and cleaning etc. Cant say I know the diff. between brush and tank plating its out of my league, but I would guess that the helmet was well polished and solid to get that level of shine.

It looks like the slots on the front have also been drilled just above them? Also, the guy that took the pics looks like a really dodgy character, even if he does have all his clothes on :D

Andy

p.s.
It does actually look like it has chrome inside, and there is some pitting on the back.
 
Actually scrap the electrolysis idea if you value your health!! I have used it in the past with a copper anode etc to remove chrome and it does work after a time. However I didnt realise and only found out last night what noxious and toxic products the process produces. There seems to be a debate about it some say its fine some say its not. I`m not a chemist, but had I known about the possibilities its not something I would have done and its not something I would have suggested. In future when I need chrome removing, I will leave it to the people that do the plating.
In short if you are looking at bidding on the helm, to play safe, build the extra cost of having it de-plated safely by someone who can dispose of the waste in a safe way and away from you, your family and your neighbours.
Sorry about that, my bad..what do they say? a little knowledge is dangerous!!

Andy
 
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