Wurttemberg M1871 Reservist Pickelhaube

[chenny]

I recently purchased this helmet for the grand total of 300 bucks. Its nice, complete, and original but it hasn't been stored with care. I'd like some suggestions as to clean and preserve it, without destroying the patina but making it more presentable. Also, the visor trim has come loose and the leather is misshapen, is there any safe way to remedy this? I have been to Kaiser's Bunker and although a great resource, it does not have the information I am looking for. I appreciate any comments on the helmet itself and any help as to cleaning/repair. Thank you

[regular122]

Chenny,

Welcome to the forum! Great helmet and great bargain! I'd suggest you PM Tony (a member of this forum) for technical advice. He's pretty helpful. And given the backlash of response on a previous thread he did on a preserved helmet, he may be more liekly to give you the details by PM or email. Just a thought. Sorry Tony if I assumed too much. Steve

[chenny]

Anyone else?

[Mike Dwyer]

I would suggest you go to http://www.pickelhaubes.com/index.php Tony and several other pickelhaube-heads hang out there, plus there is a section on the site about helmet conservation. There's at least one guy on there (sorry, I can't remember who right now) who's posted photos in the past of some haubes he bought that looked like they were ready for the trash bin and he's restored them to almost new looking condition!

[Chip M]

There's at least one guy on there (sorry, I can't remember who right now) who's posted photos in the past of some haubes he bought that looked like they were ready for the trash bin and he's restored them to almost new looking condition!

That would be site sponsor, Brian from Canada.

Chip

[Mike Dwyer]

That would be site sponsor, Brian from Canada.

Chip

Brian, right! Sorry about that, I was having a senior moment (they seem to come more and more frequently!! )