quote:
Originally posted by Rev.Mike:
An interesting question, Andrew. I looked at your photos and the exterior wear appears completely normal as does the interior. From what I can see the rust is concentrated on the skirt area. It doesn't appear that much is in the crown , but the liner blocks the view. I have seen this before and while I am not certain there are a few possibilities. Perhaps condensation from the heat from a soldier's head along with sweat & etc. builds up on the interior and attacks the metal. In other cases, the helmet sits outside, upside down in the rain for a long period. This does not appear to be the case with your helmet and the liner, which would have been water damaged, looks good and supple. I am almost certain that there was no special treatment given to the exterior of these helmets. Perhaps someone else has some ideas.
Mike, regarding the sweat/condensation idea, that had crossed my mind as well. The majority of the rust is not visible from the pics, as the liner is in the way. Only thing is, I haven't seen this same contrast between exterior/interior in my other helmets. The worst of the rust is not visible from the pics, as the liner is in the way.
If anyone needs more pics to form an opinion, just let me know what you want to see, and I'll snap a pic.
Andrew