Opinions on a camo m1916 stahlhelm

[landsknechte]

I was able to pick this up for a price that was low enough that it was worthwhile even if the paintjob turns out to be post-war.

[landsknechte]

Another view:

[landsknechte]

These are probably about the best shots I can get with the cruddy little flash on my digital camera. I'll try to get some better ones once the sun comes back up again and I can get natural light to work with.

Anyhow, what does the collective wisdom of the group think of the paint job? Did I end up with something relatively rare, or a bad paint job on a good shell?

[David Gregory]

From the pictures you show, I'd say you have a very bad paint job on an otherwise interesting shell.

If you manage to remove the green and black splurge without completely eliminating what finish there might be beneath it, you should have a nice item to gather dust on the top of a bookshelf (which is what my helmets do).

[landsknechte]

From the pictures you show, I'd say you have a very bad paint job on an otherwise interesting shell.

If you manage to remove the green and black splurge without completely eliminating what finish there might be beneath it, you should have a nice item to gather dust on the top of a bookshelf (which is what my helmets do).

That's what I was afraid of, but what I was expecting. Any ideas how best to remove the paint?

Thanks,

--Chris

[Tony]

Chris,

Normal (jelly type) paint remover should take that off and so long as you don't leave it on there too long it shouldn't attack the original paint.

I believe the original paint job was baked on making it tough to remove but don't quote me on that.

Tony

[landsknechte]

Chris,

Normal (jelly type) paint remover should take that off and so long as you don't leave it on there too long it shouldn't attack the original paint.

I believe the original paint job was baked on making it tough to remove but don't quote me on that.

Tony

The new stuff was definately brushed on... I'll give it a shot.

Thanks,

--Chris

[landsknechte]

Will post some pictures later tonight, or early tomorrow... The green and black came right off, revealing a nice light feldgrau on about 25%-30% of the exterior surface area. (The jelly only took off the green and the black paint.) Definate improvement.

--Chris

Edited December 22, 2005 by landsknechte

[landsknechte]

A few shots of the helmet post-stripping:

[landsknechte]

There's still some of the green paint left near the back of the helmet, down near the rim.

Edited December 22, 2005 by landsknechte

[landsknechte]

...and lastly:

Edited December 22, 2005 by landsknechte

[David Gregory]

Chris,

Does the helmet retain traces of a white wash or does the finish just seem that way from the flash?

It certainly looks more warlike now.

David

[landsknechte]

Chris,

Does the helmet retain traces of a white wash or does the finish just seem that way from the flash?

It certainly looks more warlike now.

David

It's just the flash.

[Tony]

That to me now looks like an impressive hat. I like it very much.

David, are you thinking Vickers Irish CD helmet or something completely different? Although it is missing the attachment for the badge so forget I mentioned it.

Tony