Garde Du Corps Helmet

Rikkn · 1st December 2021, 04:22 PM

This was brought to me by a German acquaintance who is too old to be interested in his stuff....... He brought several uniform pieces , baners, and this.... It is very cool, and I believe it to be a Prussian Garde Du Corps Helmet. He claimed it was an officers helmet (?). Overall looks to be complete, other than having only residue of what I think was supposed to be a felt like coating on the thin lining material. It could use a deep cleaning, what would be the recommended method ? What do you guys think of it ?

Bob A · 2nd December 2021, 07:37 AM

Impressive, but I'd not care to wear it; that wing-nut would definitely make an impression on the wearer. Far outside my area of expertise, though. While corrosion is worrisome, addressing it is not something I'd attempt without prior consultation with someone with expertise with these items.

Wonderful display item, definitely eye-catching.

corrado26 · 2nd December 2021, 08:10 AM

Not Garde du Corps but Garde-Kürassier-Regiment, 3. Eskadron

midelburgo · 3rd December 2021, 04:42 PM

Now you have to grow a moustache.

Rikkn · 3rd December 2021, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by midelburgo

Now you have to grow a moustache.

Got that nailed !!

asomotif · 4th December 2021, 12:00 AM

asomotif · 4th December 2021, 12:19 AM

What an impressive piece. I wish I had such acquaintances

I would not do a "deep"cleaning. I sort of like the patina on the helmet bowl.

The helmet plate looks like it has some (white) residue of brass polish.
I would start to remove that with a toothbrush and some soft soap.

The side posts and kokarde have some oxidation that I would also start to try and remove with a toothbrush and some soap.

The liner is probably original. Officers helmets have these types of liners.

Best regards,
Willem

Victrix · 4th December 2021, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rikkn

Got that nailed !!

Splendid! You may want to use some of this for added effect.

Victrix · 4th December 2021, 10:06 AM

With regards to the green residue on the helmet, unless I am mistaken, it’s brass oxidation and best removed for preservation of the item. In the past I have used white spirit on topz to remove the oxidation, using softer materials like wooden tooth picks and plastic disposable spoon on the harder brass to avoid marks. Then I used Brasso to polish the area gently to remove any remains of oxidation. Finally I applied some renaissance wax on the afflicted areas in the hope that it would prevent re-oxidation by restricting contact with oxygen.

Will M · 4th December 2021, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rikkn

Got that nailed !!

Just sign on the dotted line and they'll get you kitted out in full attire.

Wonderful find and a nice original piece. I agree with doing as little as necessary to conserve it. Once things are polished bright people question authenticity.

kronckew · 7th December 2021, 12:18 PM

I hope that eagle top is replaced by something more practical in battle, like a spike (as in a picklhaube). I wondered about that wingnut & its stud too. It's an owie in waiting. Maybe you can wear a helmet under the helmet?

AHorsa · 8th December 2021, 01:22 AM

This is a wonderful parade helmet. Taking into account its value, I wouldn't do anything to it if I was not well known to conservation. I think the best option is to bring it to a good restorer. Would be a bit pitty if this fabolous piece of history got damaged by wrong treatment.

Kind regards and congrats to that piece
Andreas

Rikkn · 8th December 2021, 03:11 AM

A good restorer would be a good idea. Any suggestions for one in the states ?

1st December 2021, 04:22 PM	#1
Rikkn Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ormond by the Sea, Fl Posts: 50	Garde Du Corps Helmet This was brought to me by a German acquaintance who is too old to be interested in his stuff....... He brought several uniform pieces , baners, and this.... It is very cool, and I believe it to be a Prussian Garde Du Corps Helmet. He claimed it was an officers helmet (?). Overall looks to be complete, other than having only residue of what I think was supposed to be a felt like coating on the thin lining material. It could use a deep cleaning, what would be the recommended method ? What do you guys think of it ? Attached Images

3rd December 2021, 04:42 PM	#4
midelburgo Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 256	Now you have to grow a moustache. Attached Images

2nd December 2021, 07:37 AM	#2
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 427	Impressive, but I'd not care to wear it; that wing-nut would definitely make an impression on the wearer. Far outside my area of expertise, though. While corrosion is worrisome, addressing it is not something I'd attempt without prior consultation with someone with expertise with these items. Wonderful display item, definitely eye-catching.

2nd December 2021, 08:10 AM	#3
corrado26 Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Black Forest, Germany Posts: 1,204	Not Garde du Corps but Garde-Kürassier-Regiment, 3. Eskadron

4th December 2021, 12:00 AM	#6
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,225

4th December 2021, 12:19 AM	#7
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,225	What an impressive piece. I wish I had such acquaintances I would not do a "deep"cleaning. I sort of like the patina on the helmet bowl. The helmet plate looks like it has some (white) residue of brass polish. I would start to remove that with a toothbrush and some soft soap. The side posts and kokarde have some oxidation that I would also start to try and remove with a toothbrush and some soap. The liner is probably original. Officers helmets have these types of liners. Best regards, Willem

4th December 2021, 10:06 AM	#9
Victrix Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Sweden Posts: 704	With regards to the green residue on the helmet, unless I am mistaken, it’s brass oxidation and best removed for preservation of the item. In the past I have used white spirit on topz to remove the oxidation, using softer materials like wooden tooth picks and plastic disposable spoon on the harder brass to avoid marks. Then I used Brasso to polish the area gently to remove any remains of oxidation. Finally I applied some renaissance wax on the afflicted areas in the hope that it would prevent re-oxidation by restricting contact with oxygen.

7th December 2021, 12:18 PM	#11
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,182	I hope that eagle top is replaced by something more practical in battle, like a spike (as in a picklhaube). I wondered about that wingnut & its stud too. It's an owie in waiting. Maybe you can wear a helmet under the helmet?

8th December 2021, 01:22 AM	#12
AHorsa Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Rhineland Posts: 367	This is a wonderful parade helmet. Taking into account its value, I wouldn't do anything to it if I was not well known to conservation. I think the best option is to bring it to a good restorer. Would be a bit pitty if this fabolous piece of history got damaged by wrong treatment. Kind regards and congrats to that piece Andreas

8th December 2021, 03:11 AM	#13
Rikkn Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ormond by the Sea, Fl Posts: 50	A good restorer would be a good idea. Any suggestions for one in the states ?