Patricia McElyea asked:,

>I have a W.W.I German Artillery person's helmet.  It is made of shaped
>felt that is very dirty and discolored.  Does anyone have any
>suggestions on ways to clean the felt.  I plan on vacuuming it but the
>dust, etc. seem really ingrained.  Any help would be greatly
>appreciated.


Should you be removing the dirt from this artefact in the first instance? Isn't
the dirt and discolouration evidence of its past use, and therefore historically
significant?

George Bailey
Objects Conservator
Australian War Memorial

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