Conservatory Cleaning - Page 3

The first step is to examine the helmet for integrity to ensure that it is not too fragile for cleaning. In this example, the helmet appeared to be solid and in very good shape. Having confirmed that the helmet will take the stresses of cleaning, the next step is to remove only those fittings that are easily removable. This includes any parts that are held on with nuts, bolts, screws, or leather wedges. Do not remove parts that require you to bend metal prongs. The stress of bending metal which has remained dormant for 90 years or more will almost certainly result in one or more breaking. Quite often, only carefully removing the front helmet plate for cleaning will suffice.

In this photograph we can see that the front Wappen (helmet plate) has been removed as it was held onto the shell with brass nuts. A few drops of WD-40 (thread lubricant) were applied to the interior brass nuts ensuring that none came in contact with the leather of the shell. 24 hours later, a correct size socket was used to carefully loosen the nuts and remove the plate. Please click HERE to see a larger picture of this helmet. It will open in a new window.