Victorian Era Lifeguards Officer's Helmet

[YeoHelmetGuy]

I am at a decision point regarding my Victorian era Lifeguards officer's helmet. I am taking a straw poll from among the members of the British Badge Forum... to clean or not to clean the helmet. The fire gilding is 99% plus intact and the enamel is in brilliant and striking condition... the skull aged to a nice patina but like the brilliance of a polished skull... a very untampered with helmet.

David

[slick_mick]

I'd leave it as it is.

Mick

[YeoHelmetGuy]

Thank you, Mick! I'm inclined to agree with you, I hate to touch it... but like a little kid, do like shiny things!

[Destro1918]

Hello David

I have a post 1952 OR's Blues helmet, although the fittings are not as nice as yours I had the same issue as you....
I did clean it, and was very pleased with the end result, if you do go for it, take your time.

Good luck

[YeoHelmetGuy]

Hello,

Like you, I also have in my collection a post 1952 other-ranks Blues and Royals helmet that I have polished (not frequently) since I don't have to worry about wearing away any silver or fire gilding. As well as the Victoria Lifeguards helmet pictured here, I also have an officer's current post 1952 issue Blues and Royals helmet that over the years has developed a nice patina too and I have yet to attempt cleaning... again because of concerns about wearing away finishes. The count is one for and one against!

Thanks!

[Home Guard]

I have a French 1879 Dragoon helmet and a Belgian 1850 Cuirassier helmet. I cleaned them both and am not sorry I did not want he grim or what ever it was to erode or damage the helmets. I did the same thing with the 3rd Dragoon Guards helmet when I had it.



Hard to see maybe, but they are on top of my bookcases.

Terry

[YeoHelmetGuy]

Terry,

Thank you for your comments... as I mentioned my reluctance comes from not wanting to damage the gilding and silver with polishes and rubbing as these are officers' quality helmets and those finishes can be delicate, but I do like them polished. Nice looking display you have! Do you reside in Tennessee and if so, where? I'm about 35 miles north of Nashville. What are your collecting interests? you can see mine in the attached photos!

David

[Tigerlily]

Originally Posted by YeoHelmetGuy

I am at a decision point regarding my Victorian era Lifeguards officer's helmet. I am taking a straw poll from among the members of the British Badge Forum... to clean or not to clean the helmet. The fire gilding is 99% plus intact and the enamel is in brilliant and striking condition... the skull aged to a nice patina but like the brilliance of a polished skull... a very untampered with helmet.

David

That is very nice, I'd probably leave it alone. We'll I wouldn't but I wouldn't clean it

[lifeochil]

I'd clean it. The patina will only get darker with time to the point of being almost black.