Fixing a mis shaped rear visor - is it possible ?

L

lugerfan

New member
hi all,

Having read the various posts about re hydrating the Pickelhaube shell and re blocking the shape, it got me wondering if its possible to do the same for a misshapen rear visor. the following picture isn't of a helmet that I own, but is it the sort of thing that's easily restored , or is it a major issue, best left to the experts or just left alone?

Also - seem to see a lot of the trim cracked or broken on the front visor like this one - is that common ?

thanks for your thoughts...
IMG_0005.jpg
 
If your helmet looks like the picture you posted, that is not really that bad at all. I would leave it alone. This may not be the answer you want to hear, but if it is original tampering with it may only make it worse....
 
Pontiac9999 said:
If your helmet looks like the picture you posted, that is not really that bad at all. I would leave it alone. This may not be the answer you want to hear, but if it is original tampering with it may only make it worse....
Click to expand...

I fully agree!

Regards,

Edwin
 
Thanks for all the answers, not my helmet but it is for sale locally. Price is perhaps a little high for me.

Fully agree with the leave well alone theory of preservation - especially for those of us who dont know what we are doing :0)
 
As far as the front visor trim goes, that does happen. Brian L. is the one to talk about regarding fixing that. It's an easy fix*, if you have replacement trim. Otherwise, just leave the original on the helmet. Some collectors like to replace the trim, others don't really care about cracks and still others just won't buy helmets that are less than pristine.

:D Ron

* Thanks Brian! Never having replaced one, it LOOKED like an easy fix. Obviously I am wrong! Another reason to leave well-enough alone, as suggested.
 
In my opinion I would leave the pictured visor alone. It would be a relatively easy fix if the visor was off the shell but not on the shell. The split in the visor trim is common and is caused by the helmet sides shrinking inward when it is left unsupported. Buying original spines and trim as replacements is a real crap shoot. There is no guarantee that they will fit. I have an M 95 helmet marked to JR 93. It came with a spine taken from a Brit helmet, I have a dozen+ brass spines...only one would fit and that one has to have the prongs moved so they will match the holes in my shell! So, there is no easy solution.
The individual storage conditions which each helmet has experienced produces split visor trim, distorted rear spines, popped split brads/wappen loops and rippled/bubbled finishes. The main culprit is lack of humidity and excessive heat. Dry conditions cause the leather to shrink and curl inward thereby stressing the fittings until they bend, split and pop. You have to use pliers and pressure to put a "squashed" rear spine back into the correct shape. However, then it will not fit its original shell because the leather has shrunk. Frustrating!
 
One last comment on the helmet pictured...it seems to have white metal fittings. Most regiments whether infantry,cavalry or artillery had brass fittings to match their brass buttons. Consequently, white metal fitting helmets (silvered buttons) are rarer so they cost more. In regard to the visor trim problem again, it would be difficult to even find white visor trim let alone one that could fit that visor. Original leather chin straps with brass fittings sell for at least $250 on Ebay. Imagine how much an original white metal strap would go for, $500 would not surprise me. So, you describe that hat as a bit pricey, if that strap is original, then perhaps some "re thinking" is in order. If the cockades are original, then that is another bonus. We have seen OR's Reich cockades go for $130 on Ebay when they should only be around $50 for originals.
 
Hi Brian,
thanks for the reply, I wasn't planning to post up any more pictures, but though I'd just upload them any way if anyone is interested.
Its had the spike assembly replaced (allegedly a period repair), missing the Prussian cockade and the strap is somewhat fragile.
Its priced at £650 - not sure with all those issues if its a good buy or not, would it be easy to find a suitable cockade?

I was looking for a good solid starter helmet without too many issues, but its hard work over here to see the good from the bad, let alone work out if one is good value..

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Hi Lugerfan,
£650 is definitively on the high side considering the condition.
- I am not absolutely certain but the cockade looks like a repro and I am afraid you will have to find 2 original cockades unless you want to compromise with originality
- The chinstrap is wrong. Finding an original chinstrap with silver fittings will be tough (and dear)
- The gray spike - even if a period replacement (??) - is not a good point

On the positive side this a PB2 helmet. PB1 and PB2 are more desirable than other Pioneer helmets because the front eagle bore the FWR cypher. The helmet you show has the conventional FR eagle plate... I cannot remember if this was adopted on the late and I am currently working abroad with no documentation. This should be checked.

All in all, if I were you I would pass on this one. There are many much better and authentic helmets you can purchase at that price.
Best wishes, Bruno
 
Hi Bruno,

thanks for the comments- very useful, always amazed how much knowledge there is out there.

Re the PB stamp - It is hard to see but its actually a PB24.

Seems there are way to many problems with this one to make it worth the money.

Cant believe how hard it is to find something suitable over here. Still all part of the fun....

Really appreciate the help - lots still to learn. There are a couple more that I've been looking at, but I need to spend some more time really studying the pictures.

cheers

Lugerfan.
 
PB24

If you can get a proper picture and permission to use it this would be a great addition to our list as we do not have one.

http://pickelhauben.net/articles/Kammer2.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
 
Good advice from Bruno, too many issues and not worth that kind of money. I do not envy you living in the UK and trying to collect. There is so much bogus stuff put up for sale there!
 
lugerfan said:
Hi Bruno,

thanks for the comments- very useful, always amazed how much knowledge there is out there.

Re the PB stamp - It is hard to see but its actually a PB24.

Seems there are way to many problems with this one to make it worth the money.

Cant believe how hard it is to find something suitable over here. Still all part of the fun....

Really appreciate the help - lots still to learn. There are a couple more that I've been looking at, but I need to spend some more time really studying the pictures.

cheers

Lugerfan.
Click to expand...

Oooopss... I missed the 4... and I was twice wrong because it is actually PB1 and PB3 that bore the FWR eagle. Therefore this eagle would have been correct on a PB2 helmet...
Apologies for the mistakes!
Bruno
 
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