After seeing a couple of threads showing helmets being cleaned up with citric acid and vinegar I thought I’d give it a go too. I went for the citric acid method because I didn’t fancy the vinegar smell.

Unfortunately I left my only German WWII helmet in the solution for too long, if any of the original paint was there, it isn’t now but if I can find another cheap relic I’ll give it another go. I’m a WWI collector so have little to no experience with WWII gear, especially German so if I’m wrong in calling this relic a M40 please let me know.

I forgot to take before pics so those below are from after it came out of the bucket and was scrubbed with a brush, and then immediately after a light coating of linseed oil.

Tony

Click to enlarge the picture