WIW - Nazi helmets

[A34]

Hey Guys,

While home for Christmas, my Dad gave me a few helmets from his collection. Does anyone here have an idea on how to properly conserve them? My dad put some rust protectant on them years ago and put them in plastic bags in his closet. I guess it worked as they all look to be in good shape. But, if there's a better way, I'd like to do it.

Also, I'd appreciate a ball park estimate of value for insurance purposes. I'd like to get a rider on my home owners for these and a few other things.

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Information

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[gsimmons]

I wouldn't store things in plastic, it traps moisture. Store in a cool, dry place.

[Gil Boyd]

A34,
From a museum perspective in relation to helmets, the only care needed is the leather that will dry and crack and eventually fragmentize if kept in the wrong conditions.
They look like they have been kept in a constant temperature already, with only the chin straps needing a touch of a thin coat of leather dubbin or similar.
Try to keep them out of direct sunlight if on display and my advice would be to put them in sized singular boxes to keep the dust off too, this will also preserve the unit and regimental painted badges which in them selves raise the value of each helmet in years to come if the family wish to part with them.

[A34]

Thanks guys. I think the metal preservative may have discolored the paint somewhat as I look at them. I'm not sure if trying to clean them will damage them further, or if I should leave it? Thoughts?

[Gil Boyd]

A34,
The problem with damp wiping any metal that has stood bear for so loong is that a colder atmosphere, as you currently enjoy over the pond, will cuase rust to form, so the keeping bin a constant room temperature for example well stem that process. Dry dusting which will keep the paint on the unit/Regimental badges in tact.

[bigduke6]

A34,

The first one although has Police decals on, the helmet is a fire/rescue service/civil defence etc or similar IIRC, and not a standard M35,40,42 so not much value, but could be wrong if it does have original decals.... ? a clear close up pic would be good.

The second is a M42 Single decal "Wehrmacht heer" helmet as for value couldn't say for sure but not as valuable as the third helmet, again close up of the decal if you can.

The third helmet is Luftwaffe M40 double decal and looks a nice example, (eagle is the second pattern) This helmet is the most valued one out of the three, as for value I haven't dabbled in helmets for years so could be miles out can only suggest you look at dealers prices etc, you need to overvalue them as for insurance purpose you would want enough to replace the item.

[A34]

Thanks guys!