Mod. 34 Feuerwehrpolizei helmet

[Markus2901]

Gents,

A couple of days ago, I got 10 of these helmets with thick red varnish from a fire station. These helmets were withdrawn from service decades ago.

There can be seen rests of "Feuerlöschpolizei"-decals under the varnish. I tried to remove it with aceton, but unfortunately the decals on one helmet got lost, but the black color stayed completely intact.

Here's my question: How can I remove this red color without damaging the decals?

The photos below show one of the helmet in untouched condition. Please note the imprint of the decal on the macro pictures.

[Markus2901]

To make it clearer, here another picture with changed contrast...

[KradSPam]

Try acetone? what did you use on the first helmet?

[Markus2901]

Try acetone? what did you use on the first helmet?

I used acetone on a cotton swab, but this destroyed the decal...

If anyone of you is interested in one of the nine M34 helmets I have left, to try his own luck, please let me know. There are decals under the color on every helmet. If anyone is interested, I will make photos and you the one that looks the nicest can be chosen.

[BobI]

If the paint flakes off around the decal, the decals may be OK. If not, I doubt you will get the decals out. The paint bonds to the ink on the decal and it is unlikely you will be able to perfectly liberate it.
Best Wishes,
Bob