Imperial German M18 cutout helmet

[Arditi]

Evening Gents,

A Marine buddy of mine in Afghanistan is sending me the shell of an M18 cutout helmet. I'm pretty excited, but it appears that the Afghani's added two extra liner support pins and that an insignia was added, at some point, with two small holes on the right hand side. It appears that most of the Imperial feldgrau paint has survived in some percentage. My question is this: how far should I go to get this piece cleaned up. Light steel wool and hot water? Anybody have any history of when these things arrived in Afghanistan? Any help appreciated. Here is a pic:

[bob lembke]

Not a collector of such things, but have collected other stuff (and generally feel that I know everything, of course). I would say to lay off the steel wool or any agressive stuff. I would say nothing above a damp sponge. You want to go at with steel wool, and you haven't even had it in your hands. The provenance is interesting, and you will damage its present state and history, and you are not going to end up with a mint M18.

At least hold off until you can discuss it with someone of Supreme Authority.

I understand the itch; I used to collect Roman coins, and I used to clean up deposits on less valuable base metal coins rather aggressively, if very carefully. In one way you work toward a more valuable coin, on the other hand you may degrade the coin. But in this case I think the decision is clear.

Bob Lembke

[Max Poilu]

The Afghans were supplied with surplus German M16/M18 Steel helmets at some point between the two World Wars (1930's I believe). They were re-painted and fitted with an alternative liner system, the two holes added at the side are for a badge (Afghan coat of arms) that is only worn for ceremonial purposes.

A lot of these helmets are now surfacing on ebay as bring backs mainly from US forces. It seems the helmets were supplied from Czechoslovakian sources.

If you want to preserve it - same as anything, a stable enviroment and never go near it with anything abrasive, a light coat of wax (furniture/shoes) polish may help.

[Guest Trenchwire]

I use bees wax on all my metal items as a preservative, no added nasties and its neutral in colour.

[Iggy]

You need to address any active rust, ie bright red in colour and flakey.

This needs to be removed completely, if necessary with very, very fine emery paper.

Next you need to coat it with microcrystalline wax. Expensive, but it does the job.

It can be obtained from archival goods suppliers or ask your nearest Museum were they get theirs from.

You heat and mix the wax with a small amount of white spirits, then coat it on the metal.

This is what Museums do to preserve metal objects.

Ian

[Arditi]

Evening Gents,

I appreciate all replies. The helmet was gently cleaned and the Afghani holes were plugged with JB Weld. It hardens, but can be punched out easily without damaging the paint or metal surface. If I ever want an Afghani M18 cutout I can do this easily. I prefer Imperial German for now. The plugs had custom paint applied and then were artistically aged. I know...I know...it's not completely original, but considering rarity and price of a complete one this will suffice for now. Thanks for perusing and the help. Arditi