What to do??

[Old Hertfordian]

Hi,

Thanks to everyone that has helped me in the few posts that I have done so far. I will try and return the favours when I can, but until then I would like to get others opinions on what I should do with the helmet plates that I picked up today.

I have no problem with their being original, but they would appear to have been repainted rather heavily in the not so distant past. This is my problem. Should I try and get them stripped down and re blackened (which would probably be no different in the long run) or leave as is? I would be interested to hear what others would do or perhaps what they have done in the past in similar circumstances.

Ellis

P.S.

Sorry for the poor photography, but I am trying to get used to taking pictures on this camera

[seanhath]

I’d strip the paint, see what you’ve got and repaint them properly.
So you don’t damage them I’d use Mr Muscle:

Get a black bag & an old baking tray. Put the badges on the tray & spray liberally with Mr Muscle. Put them in the black bag & tie the bag securely. Leave them for at least 8 hours, then use an old toothbrush to wash the paint away under warm water.

Regards,
Sean

[manchesters]

Did the 1st and 3rd VB Essex have blackened badges?

Shouldnt they be WM?

Is the paint hiding the fact that they may be spurious?

The paint needs to go whatever the outcome.

regards

[Old Hertfordian]

Originally Posted by seanhath

I’d strip the paint, see what you’ve got and repaint them properly.
So you don’t damage them I’d use Mr Muscle:

Get a black bag & an old baking tray. Put the badges on the tray & spray liberally with Mr Muscle. Put them in the black bag & tie the bag securely. Leave them for at least 8 hours, then use an old toothbrush to wash the paint away under warm water.

Regards,
Sean

Thanks Sean, Not something that I had thought of trying.

Originally Posted by manchesters

Did the 1st and 3rd VB Essex have blackened badges?

Shouldnt they be WM?

Is the paint hiding the fact that they may be spurious?

The paint needs to go whatever the outcome.

regards

1st and 3rd Essex wore blackened plates, not all VB's wore WM ones.

I have not come across these plates being faked although the 2nd VB Glengarry has. That being said these are original, although my photography leaves a lot to be desired.

All being considered, the paint does need to go, but I am unsure how to finish them.

[manchesters]

Originally Posted by manchesters

Did the 1st and 3rd VB Essex have blackened badges?

Shouldnt they be WM?

Is the paint hiding the fact that they may be spurious?

The paint needs to go whatever the outcome.

regards

WM on BRass plate???

[Old Hertfordian]

Originally Posted by manchesters

WM on BRass plate???

Ha! yes, very odd

As has been pointed out, it could and I repeat could be a case of recycling. Note that the Essex 3vb wore both WM and blackened brass plates. However, if I had known, I would not have taken the 3vb. That being said, I am confident that the parts are original and that the repair is old.

Sadly we will never know if this was done "officially" or done to deceive or even to fill a gap in a collection.

Anyway, thank you all for your input. It has been most refreshing to discuss this subject with like minded people

[Luke H]

If it had been re-blacked a considerable time ago my opinion would to be leave it. However as you say it does appear to have been ‘painted’ very recently with a thickly applied gloss paint which has visibly affected the sharpness and definition, especially the lettering.

Personally I’d either remove it or have a go a dulling the finish down - if the correct finish should indeed be black.

Nail polish remover (acetone) on a cotton wool bud and gently rub, that will remove modern acrylic and gloss paint. When I’ve used this method it’s left what remained of the original blacking (provided one’s not too vigorous). Good luck.

[grenadierguardsman]

Is it me or is the lettering on the left one a bit suspect ?
Andy

[Old Hertfordian]

Originally Posted by Luke H

If it had been re-blacked a considerable time ago my opinion would to be leave it. However as you say it does appear to have been ‘painted’ very recently with a thickly applied gloss paint which has visibly affected the sharpness and definition, especially the lettering.

Personally I’d either remove it or have a go a dulling the finish down - if the correct finish should indeed be black.

Nail polish remover (acetone) on a cotton wool bud and gently rub, that will remove modern acrylic and gloss paint. When I’ve used this method it’s left what remained of the original blacking (provided one’s not too vigorous). Good luck.

Thanks for the advice.

Originally Posted by grenadierguardsman

Is it me or is the lettering on the left one a bit suspect ?
Andy

Ha, yes, going on the pictures I can see why you would think that. However, it is a combination of poor photography and a very generous coat of pain..... I will take a better picture tomorrow if I can.

[Old Hertfordian]

Still not brilliant, but a bit clearer.