British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

Recent Books by Forum Members

   

Go Back   British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum > Common Forums > New Member Introduction Zone

 Other Pages: Galleries, Links etc.
Glossary  Books by Forum Members     Canadian Pre 1914    CEF    CEF Badge Inscriptions   Canadian post 1920     Canadian post 1953     British Cavalry Badges     Makers' Marks    Pipers' Badges  Canadian Cloth Titles  Books  SEARCH
 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-02-22, 09:23 PM
YeoHelmetGuy YeoHelmetGuy is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: United States of America
Posts: 167
Default Victorian Era Lifeguards Officer's Helmet

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
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Lifeguards 1.jpg (43.8 KB, 57 views)
File Type: jpg Lifeguards 4.jpg (83.2 KB, 48 views)
File Type: jpg Lifeguards 6.jpg (72.9 KB, 31 views)
File Type: jpg Lifeguards 7.jpg (40.5 KB, 30 views)
File Type: jpg Lifeguards 8.jpg (33.7 KB, 27 views)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 04-02-22, 09:29 PM
slick_mick's Avatar
slick_mick slick_mick is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 4,281
Default

I'd leave it as it is.

Mick
__________________
Looking for Australian military books?

Regimental Books - Australian Unit History specialists

Chasing militaria? I recommend:

Militaria Online - Australian Militaria Sales
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-02-22, 09:33 PM
YeoHelmetGuy YeoHelmetGuy is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: United States of America
Posts: 167
Default

Thank you, Mick! I'm inclined to agree with you, I hate to touch it... but like a little kid, do like shiny things!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 04-02-22, 09:47 PM
Destro1918 Destro1918 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 523
Default Hello

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
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 04-02-22, 10:09 PM
YeoHelmetGuy YeoHelmetGuy is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: United States of America
Posts: 167
Default

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!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 04-02-22, 10:32 PM
Home Guard's Avatar
Home Guard Home Guard is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 2,742
Default

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
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 04-02-22, 10:53 PM
YeoHelmetGuy YeoHelmetGuy is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: United States of America
Posts: 167
Default

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
Attached Images
File Type: jpg Trio 4 (2).jpg (56.0 KB, 43 views)
File Type: jpg Trio1 (5).jpg (69.1 KB, 32 views)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 05-02-22, 10:25 AM
Tigerlily's Avatar
Tigerlily Tigerlily is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: East of England
Posts: 2,337
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by YeoHelmetGuy View Post
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
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 06-02-22, 04:00 AM
lifeochil's Avatar
lifeochil lifeochil is offline
Member
 
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 238
Default

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

Tags
headgear, helmets

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

mhs link

All times are GMT. The time now is 09:22 PM.


Powered by: vBulletin
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.