Found Japanese Helmet, Relic condition

[rrobertscv]

Found this in a little junk/flea market/antique store just off the highway. I have driven by this place a few times and never realized how big it actually was. The seller said it was a 1 Star U.S. General's helmet, but I knew better. My question is, is it real and do I do anything to remove the paint and try to restore it in anyway? I only gave $30 for it.

[GeorgeP]

Nice find!



Tom

[Geoff Ward]

Neat helmet,My OPINION is with it being in relic condition and repainted as well there is not much you can do to damage its value. It is what it is.But if it were mine I would use a brand new can of stripper and remove the new paint.Take your time and let the stripper do its job until the new paint wrinkles off and wipe it away with paper towels and keep repeating till you get down to the rusted shell There may be some original paint below the newer paint left in its original state and is more than likely tough enough to withstand the stripping process rinse and scrub the new paint out of the pitting and dry the helmet off you may be surprised by how much original paint will be left. if you like the way it looks leave it alone if it is a bit to shiny leave it out back in the weather on a post until it weathers to your taste.From the looks of it is was quite rusted already so it wouldn't take long. Here is a photo of a relic conditioned German helmet I stripped grey spray paint off of to reveal the camo paint underneath.I wished it wasn't relic condition then!! Again this is just an OPINION Good luck! if you do attempt a restoration be sure to post some pics! Best wishes,Geoff