Should you fix it or not?

[HILLBILLY-06]

A older friend of mine has his Dad's old Civil Defense Helmet. It really took a hard hit from something, and he wants to try to get at least "some" of the large dent out of it.

I mean it's kinda cool looking like it is, but he really wants it to look better, so I'm asking for input, or suggestions on either getting the dent at least partially out, or should it just be left alone. I'm hoping for input on both scenarios, removing and or leaving it,etc.

Thanks in advance. 

[Rakkasan187]

Hillbilly,

 

These are just my thoughts... An interesting family heirloom that has suffered some serious decay over the years.. The white paint is virtually gone, if there were decals on it they too seem to be gone, the liner present but also most likely very brittle... Now I've stated the obvious and there is obviously a family connection with this. Taking the dent out may cause some more damage to the helmet with the rust and all and it may even crack the helmet.

 

Personally I would leave it as is and possibly find a better Civil Defense helmet to place next to this example to show everyone that this is what it would have looked like. A neat conversation piece. I would also suggest to your friend to write on a note card and place it with his dad's helmet. That way there is no confusion from the one that is not as damaged. 

 

Also tell your friend that this material object may one day go away but the memories and recollections of your friend and his dad with this helmet will remain forever.

 

I have my grandfather's civil defense helmet as well as his reflective Sam Browne Belt that he wore as an Air Raid Warden in Maine during WW2. 

 

These are just my thoughts.

 

Best 

 

Leigh

[HILLBILLY-06]

My old friend told me his dad was also an air raid warden, but he didn't tell me where. 

I will get to see him and the helmet again in person next week, so I'll pass this on to him. 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.

[otter42]

I'm guessing he may had been in the Pacific North West, cause looks like a baby Bigfoot stepped on his helmet! 

[HILLBILLY-06]

🤣 it kinda does... 

[mikie]

1 hour ago, otter42 said:

I'm guessing he may had been in the Pacific North West, cause looks like a baby Bigfoot stepped on his helmet! 

🤣

[Mr.Jerry]

I am not a metallurgist, but someone very wise told me metal only likes to bend once. He will never make this helmet better than it is right now (and there may actually be a story in there somewhere - imagine finding a newspaper article showing the dented helmet from a Japanese Balloon bomb after pounding it out...) I would leave it as is.  You can easily find more of the helmets as a representative piece.

[HILLBILLY-06]

For sure, I think that after repeatedly observing that pic, you guys are correct in that he should keep it as is, and just buy another one, putting them both on display, is twice the story in itself. It would really beckon serious thought.