Great stuff man, used to own that top middle helmet. I was told it came from a farmer who apparently dug it up in the Somme battlefields decades after the war.
There’s something so good looking about old helmets. I have a pretty rusty 5th Infantry div I got when I was a kid for $40. I’m planning on displaying all of my stuff soon! Anyways awesome helmets
Front left...blue and white stripes..3rd Div..Rock of the Marne. I have one with perfect Div. symbol paint . Found it in my attic after living there 10 years. Very minimal surface rust 1% and the green paint 95%. insides intact. I sold it back in 2015 for $100. bucks. I remember the guys last name was Johnson. Love war history and equipment.
@@mindinvader9599 I do love it. But I am not a collector. So yeah. I sold it. Let someone that collects have it. Who pissed in your Wheaties my friend? What an assuming A-hole you are.
Question: why don’t you put a drop of oil on the strap loops, rivets & brims? Not only is rust occurring over the entire helmet; but specifically in those folded & attached areas. I’m NOT saying “refinish”, “polish” or “improve”, just saying minor intervention to slow the iron oxides. ? Yes, they are yours at this time, you can do whatever you want, just asking an expert , why?
Good question honestly, I'm no expert but usually when I get in a relic item I tend to leave it as is. Just a personal preference I guess but I should try to oil some of these up, good point!
I think your inclination to leave them totally alone, as you received them is good. Better to leave them as is to preserve all historical properties. But, maybe try it lightly on an insignificant one. I think it will slow the oxidation for future generations
is it true these old helmets have asbestos in the liner? Another question, Ive got one with some painted camo pattern very little is left,Ive heard that was done post war is that true?
It's very possible asbestos is present, it was used as an insulation agent in a lot of things back then like the gas mask filters, as far as the pain goes yes it is entirely possible that some of these helmets could've been painted post war either on the ship ride home or at home for parades! I wish these could talk
