Paul,
I am not sure that it has been varnished, the reddish hue may be a trick of the light. I have given the badge a soak in warm soapy water and a light going over with a soft nail brush to remove any surface dirt. The colour remains consistent and appears almost gilded.
The pine pitch is something that I have not seen before and I cannot think why it was applied to the back. It may have been to prevent the back scratching the metal surface of the helmet but as there are many high points it doesn't seem likely.
My thoughts is that the helmet plate has been cast from an officer's plate, which had a separate centre, and a cast centre has been soldered in but upside down.
I will have a bash with a heat gun to see if the centre can be removed.
Many thanks for your advice,
Simon
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