Renaissance Wax

[daz339]

Hello ,
Can I use Renaissance wax on helmets ? I am specifically asking about the liners as I can't see a problem with the shells .
Many thanks ,
Regards .

[bigschuss]

Hello ,
Can I use Renaissance wax on helmets ? I am specifically asking about the liners as I can't see a problem with the shells .
Many thanks ,
Regards .

Using anything to preserve helmets is considered taboo. It was a common practice back in the day, but you're going to get a lot of push back and negative comments if you go and treat your liners and helmet exteriors.

With that said, if you have a low value, relic level helmet with a ratty liner and you want to treat it, it's probably not a bad idea. Anything else though...leave it alone.

[Paul.B.]

Using anything to preserve helmets is considered taboo. It was a common practice back in the day, but you're going to get a lot of push back and negative comments if you go and treat your liners and helmet exteriors.

With that said, if you have a low value, relic level helmet with a ratty liner and you want to treat it, it's probably not a bad idea. Anything else though...leave it alone.

Excellent advice.

[Schwerpunkt]

Using anything to preserve helmets is considered taboo. It was a common practice back in the day, but you're going to get a lot of push back and negative comments if you go and treat your liners and helmet exteriors.

With that said, if you have a low value, relic level helmet with a ratty liner and you want to treat it, it's probably not a bad idea. Anything else though...leave it alone.

Agreed !
https://germanhelmetvault.com/2017/0...e-and-destroy/

[daz339]

Thanks to all for your help .
Regards.

[RJKG]

Personally I can't see the issue with renaissance wax. If applied sparingly it's barely discernible, on either metal or leather.

Many years ago, before the advent of on-line forums such as this, I wrote to the curator of the Wallace Collection, London, seeking advice on preserving helmets, etc.

Many of you are probably aware that the Wallace Collection houses an outstanding collection of mediaeval arms and armour; and the advice that I received from their curator was that they used Renaissance wax on their collection.

In fact it even says on the tin that it is used by the British Museum.

If such highly reputed collections recommend its use, can it really be something to avoid ?

[daz339]

Personally I can't see the issue with renaissance wax. If applied sparingly it's barely discernible, on either metal or leather.

Many years ago, before the advent of on-line forums such as this, I wrote to the curator of the Wallace Collection, London, seeking advice on preserving helmets, etc.

Many of you are probably aware that the Wallace Collection houses an outstanding collection of mediaeval arms and armour; and the advice that I received from their curator was that they used Renaissance wax on their collection.

In fact it even says on the tin that it is used by the British Museum.

If such highly reputed collections recommend its use, can it really be something to avoid ?

I have used it on a 19th century Royal Naval dirk , including the leather scabbard
, and all seems well but thought I would ask .
Regards .

[jacquesf]

Personally I can't see the issue with renaissance wax. If applied sparingly it's barely discernible, on either metal or leather.

Many years ago, before the advent of on-line forums such as this, I wrote to the curator of the Wallace Collection, London, seeking advice on preserving helmets, etc.

Many of you are probably aware that the Wallace Collection houses an outstanding collection of mediaeval arms and armour; and the advice that I received from their curator was that they used Renaissance wax on their collection.

In fact it even says on the tin that it is used by the British Museum.

If such highly reputed collections recommend its use, can it really be something to avoid ?

I agree with that. J

[Schwerpunkt]

Personally I can't see the issue with renaissance wax. If applied sparingly it's barely discernible, on either metal or leather.

Many years ago, before the advent of on-line forums such as this, I wrote to the curator of the Wallace Collection, London, seeking advice on preserving helmets, etc.

Many of you are probably aware that the Wallace Collection houses an outstanding collection of mediaeval arms and armour; and the advice that I received from their curator was that they used Renaissance wax on their collection.

In fact it even says on the tin that it is used by the British Museum.

If such highly reputed collections recommend its use, can it really be something to avoid ?

I think a question that always should be asked first is , what is the condition and is it necessary ?

Look at leather liners treated in the 60's or 70's , are they better of than the leather we see today coming out of the woodwork untreated or sitting in collections for +30 years untreated ?
The answer is no. Despite everyone believing from the 60's to the 80's that shells and liners were better protected when treated the sad fact is that it did not help.

I hope the curators of the museum have experts and know what they are doing and of course there is a difference between medieval stuff and German helmets.
For German helmets , leather and steel. (above ground found) I would not recommend it. Dug helmets are a different ball game altogether.

But even then each piece should be judged first before anything is considered.

[Eddietheboy]

I would recommend Pecard leather dressing on leather. If you use a small amount and let it soak in for a few days then buff the surface you will get good results. I would only use this as a last resort to restore cracked or perished leather. I have also used Renaissance wax on polished brass shell casing and if applied correctly then polished it creates a wax seal and stops the air from causing tarnishing to the metal. Used by museums to preserve the shine on display items. Both very good products.

[ROBB]

Duck grease is what I use to devalue my helmet liners but they will last an extra 300 years. Fine on metal not on German helmet liners. Rob

[panzer1432]

Leave the piece as is

[101combatvet]

Hello ,
Can I use Renaissance wax on helmets ? I am specifically asking about the liners as I can't see a problem with the shells .
Many thanks ,
Regards .

Believe it or not, Renaissance is a little abrasive on paint surfaces; I don't use it. Also, it's hard to work into leather; there's better stuff out there.

[nutmeg]

I would recommend Pecard leather dressing on leather. If you use a small amount and let it soak in for a few days then buff the surface you will get good results. I would only use this as a last resort to restore cracked or perished leather. I have also used Renaissance wax on polished brass shell casing and if applied correctly then polished it creates a wax seal and stops the air from causing tarnishing to the metal. Used by museums to preserve the shine on display items. Both very good products.

Pecard is crap and the worst thing you can use. It will make the old leather (might be OK for new saddles etc) look great for a few years then it may rot. I had horrible experiences with it in the 80s. It doesn't restore it just softens until it falls apart. You can't bring old leather back to life, it's a fairy tale. If you have to use something the Renaissance wax is better but my favorite product for helmets and liners is NOTHING.