Untouched Cabasset

[fernando]

Yes, British RENAISSANCE WAX seems to be one of solutions. Funny thing, i bought a 200 ml unit of it quite a few years ago but i didn't go along with how it spreads and the aspect it leaves on blades. Probably only my problem; i left it for museum folks, though.

[AHorsa]

Originally Posted by fernando

Yes Andreas, most certainly .

Happy to here that!


I wouldn´t use Renaissance Wax on rusty surfaces (as it is partly the case here), as one can´t be sure that it reaches the bare metal surface, even when you heat the metal. But forexample to fix a patina or if you want to touch an objekt regularly, I think it is one of the best solutions.


It seems that some helmets are made from laminated steel, others from single-layer-steel. What´s it all about? Are the laminated helmets lighter? Would be great if someone would explain.

Thanks and kind regards
Andreas

[Elmereya]

good day ,
if I had such an item, then I would wash it gently in a bucket with kerosene, wiping it slightly just with a dishwashing sponge, then after drying, I would apply WD-40 abundantly, and then dry it with a hairdryer. and later the second layer WD ..
it will not damage the helmet in any way, but it will give good protection in microcracks and chips. probably nothing more needs to be done, the subject is very nice ..
with respect

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Elmereya

good day ,
if I had such an item, then I would wash it gently in a bucket with kerosene, wiping it slightly just with a dishwashing sponge, then after drying, I would apply WD-40 abundantly, and then dry it with a hairdryer. and later the second layer WD ..
it will not damage the helmet in any way, but it will give good protection in microcracks and chips. probably nothing more needs to be done, the subject is very nice ..
with respect

I use some of those ingredients, but in a different order. First start with an abundant WD-40 bath, wait a while, then use the hard side of a dish wash sponge soaked in WD-40. If rust is already showing an accentuated presence, i use, instead, ultra fine steel wool soaked in WD-40. Then i give it a good wash with water and soap to clean all dirt from the texture depths and after i pass a light layer of mineral (sewing machine) oil.
All this assuming that i am dealing with rust, and in the absence of age patina.

[ulfberth]

Hi Andreas,
you'r cabasset is indeed around 1600, all treatments mentioned can be used depending on the outcome you want.
As it is now the helmet has got a certain charm, found as is with the scars of its age,.
whatever you do to it, its never going to be in top condition and the more you do to it in the form of ad ons the further you will be moving away as it is now.
To me the value of this piece lies in its as found condition, I would wax it , any natural antique wax will do , and rub it a few days later .
The wax will put a coat on the surface sealing it from air and prevent further rusting, after rubbing it the next day it will give a glossy shine.
You can of course restore it, but ask yourself this : what will adding new parts bring to an helmet with an old rustik look like this one ?
Whatever you decide I wish you success with the outcome.
kind regards
Ulfberth

[AHorsa]

Thanks for the further comments!
Of course - if doing some restaurations on it, it will lose its untouched character. This is why I would only do reversible restaurations. But anyway, in the foreseeable future I won´t find the time for it.

While the linked book (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...light=cabasset #7) dates it to the first half 16th century (1500-1550), I found some examples in the internet dated the same period, and others dated around 1600, as Ulfberth also mentioned.

This one is attributed to south Germany (perhaps Landshut), which would fit to my one beeing found near Munich:
https://worcester.emuseum.com/object...4104f5cc&idx=3

[fernando]

What is 50 years more or less than five centuries ? .

[fernando]

Originally Posted by AHorsa

... It seems that some helmets are made from laminated steel, others from single-layer-steel. What´s it all about? Are the laminated helmets lighter? Would be great if someone would explain...

It would take someone with the due knowledge to explain. But assuming that lamination reduces weight, yours wouldn't be the case, i guess. Its weight only differs 127 grams from mine, a difference which you can consider to be the lack of the rosettes and the plume holder.