SkipperJohn
Well-known member
Several of my officer and private purchase Pickelhauben have a white powder type of corrosion on gilded brass components. This appears on Wappens, dart and egg pearlrings, and occasionally on spike base mounting stars. It never occurs on heavier metal components like spike bases, spikes, or visor trim. This "powder" is white and is only found in tiny crevices on gilded parts. I have dusted it, washed it with water, used a Q-tip with alcohol to wipe it, and (I really hate to do this) brushed at it lightly with a soft toothbrush, and it doesn't go away. It is not dried polish and it is more prevalent on "newer" helmets, 1912-1915. My older gilded helmets, 1871 era, show no sign of it. I talked to a metallurgist and he said that it sounded like zinc oxidation, but none of my Hauben have gilded zinc fittings.
Does anybody know what this is?
Does anybody know how to get rid of it?
Does it degrade the gilding or base metal?
Any advise is appreciated.
John :-s
PS. I have never seen this on an issue helmet, never on a raw metal (lacquered or unlacquered brass) fitted helmet, or on a helmet with silver nickel fittings.
Does anybody know what this is?
Does anybody know how to get rid of it?
Does it degrade the gilding or base metal?
Any advise is appreciated.
John :-s
PS. I have never seen this on an issue helmet, never on a raw metal (lacquered or unlacquered brass) fitted helmet, or on a helmet with silver nickel fittings.