Adam Savage Learns How Armored Helmets Are Restored!

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Arms and Armor conservation lab, armorer Ted Hunter shows Adam two examples of conservation on historical helmets--an early 17th-century Italian helmet and a late 16th-century German helmet. Ted shows Adam how he brought back the detailed gilding in the helmets as well as the hardware he had to make to match the original rivets and washers. Plus, the story of how the M1 US Military combat helmet originated at the MET!
The MET's Arms and Armor Department: www.metmuseum....
Shot and edited by Joey Fameli
Music by Jinglepunks
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Intro bumper by Abe Dieckman
Thanks for watching!

[@tested]

The MET's Arms and Armor Department: www.metmuseum.org/about-the-met/collection-areas/arms-and-armor

[@demononi6666]

Dinosaur costume Series please continue finishing it please and put it on the main channel please

[@klyanadkmorr]

Nice researching stuff that has been on KZbin for years from UK and European museum and armor curators. Requested by lots of sword and recreation groups is Dr. Tobias Capwell is Curator of the Arms and Armour part of the Wallace collection in UK.

[@klyanadkmorr]

The Wallace Collection - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ-ul4ecfst1pK8

[@corrinastanley125]

The cerillion red from your last restoration pigments that you were curious about, could have been a trick to make the gold pop from certain armoury makers.

[@Sharklops]

This guy is so awesome. Wish he had his own KZbin channel covering what was going on in the Met restoration shop

[@matthewblack2379]

THIS!!!

[@puupipo]

I imagine he's too busy to run a KZbin channel by himself but if he had a crew of 2-3 people working with him (a bit like Brady and James work with The Royal Society on the Objectivity channel) then there's potential for a great KZbin channel, definitely.

[@theodoregast-wm3ol]

He does play old school D&D on 3d6 down the line and it’s seriously awesome. youtube.com/@3D6DTL

[@NaughtyShepherd]

I’m happy to see this as the top comment, I was thinking the same thing!

[@LucasCarter2]

I’d love that but I get the feeling it would seriously detract from the work he does. It’s not like he’s baumgartner where he’s rushing through restoration projects using outdated techniques. This guy is meticulously conserving things in a way that requires a magnitude of dull research and weeks of merely testing dyes and materials. Unfortunately true artistry like this would be impaired by having someone follow them around making videos of them all the time, and the truth is that most of the time their work isn’t that interesting. Sum of the parts makes the whole but each part is rather dull to an outside observer.

[@JockenN]

I know everyone else has said it, but it bears repeating: Adam's genuine excitement about these subjects and the places he visits pulls out the passion of the people involved and not a single one of these episodes have felt forced, and even the most nervous person has seemed to open up as the video goes along. This is the type of content KZbin needs more of, just wholesome amazement at the skills and passion of people. Never change Adam, and keep making this series as long as you enjoy it, it's always great!

[@paulvamos7319]

When he said "That sounds like you Adam" I laughed so hard I almost fell out of my chair 😂 He is so right! Adam is the person with the information you need!

[@maxfalconi6995]

You should make a 2 hours long video titled : Adam drools on beautiful antique armor

[@tomturbuckle0076]

We would all watch it too.

[@Sharklops]

Not 2 hours but over 30 in case you haven't seen it from a few years ago.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jorCg5-af9t2jdU

[@abbofun9022]

Hi Adam, this is truly your best series. These Met guys are amazing and it is such a delight to watch you interact with them. Could easily watch a 2 hour episode, don’t hold back mate!!

[@Luwinkle]

Ted has a hell of a presence. He should start his own youtube channel.

[@gator83261]

I was in the Army in Germany around 1985 when we switched from the M-1 helmet to the Kevlar’s. Very good video.

[@MrMiguella]

This series is so good. My family were armourers in Germany for centuries, and we can even claim a connection to Wieland/ Wayland/ Volundr the smith from antiquity. I keep hoping to see some of the armor that my greatx17 grandfather made for Maximilian.

[@SwordsAndRavens]

Does your family still produce armour?

[@longiusaescius2537]

Nice

[@chintanjethwa1438]

I think that the second helmet is Indian or inspired by Indian helmets.

[@JarkkoHietaniemi]

@@chintanjethwa1438 As is discussed in the video, it is German but made in imitation of the Ottoman helmets.

[@vilstef6988]

A friend of mine who is a blacksmith and ex military was teaching himself armoring back in the 80s. He got to hang out with the armorers at the Tower of London and got to closely examine some historical body armors. It would be great if Adam got to go to the Tower and see the workshops!

[@JarkkoHietaniemi]

Also visit the Wallace collection, and Dr Tobias Capwell, Curator of Arms and Armour, one of the leading experts in armour.

[@vilstef6988]

@@JarkkoHietaniemi The Historiches Museum in Dresden Germany also has an excellent armor collection, and I'm sure they would have great workshops.

[@JarkkoHietaniemi]

@@vilstef6988 Sure, there are other great armor collections in Europe. But I mentioned the Wallace Collection because it's also in London like the Tower.

[@bond007rules]

@@JarkkoHietaniemi Capwell has left the Wallace for some time.

[@JarkkoHietaniemi]

@@bond007rules Oh, didn't know that. Thanks.

[@andrewdonatelli6953]

This was a really good interview. Ted is a fantastic storyteller. I'd love to see some more interviews with him

[@KaySan666]

Its a joy to listen to him explain these things. Definitely reminds me of Baumgarten Restoration, who is usually restoring paintings and scultptures.

[@MalteForstat]

I used to be a voluntary fireman in Germany 25 years ago (late 1990s) and our helmets were still of the exact same shape as the German one shown here. They were made of Aluminum and covered in glow-in-the-dark-paint, but the design hadn't really changed in 80 years until they were phased out just after I stopped.

[@justicar5]

UK first responders used until recently the 'Cromwell' helmet, it was called that because it was basically an English Civil War cavalry helmet, remade in modern materials, including the lobster tail down the neck. Lessons earned in blood are still sometimes valid.

[@tatianaes3354]

In a typical German fashion, the German helmets were top notch, but over-engineered and too pricey. There are still like millions of them in the ground of the USSR and other parts of Europe, and they often are nonetheless in relatively good condition. Soviet helmets were even cheaper to make than American ones, so they are not surviving this well.

[@JYD2020]

I've learnt so much about how restoration is done at museums thanks to this series

[@johnpatrickmcp]

If anyone else was as interested in the book they mentioned about armor after WWI as I was it is "Helmets and Body Armor in Modern Warfare" by Bashford Dean.

[@SwordsAndRavens]

That's exactly what I came to the comments for. Thank you

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

The oroginal workmanship and the workmanship of the restoration is astonishing! Adding the MMA on the new work was brilliant. I’ve been fascinated by armor since I was a child (now 73) and this video is such a treat. It also made me think more about the role of fashion in armor as well as protection. The historical aspect going forward to WWI and WWII was absolutely fascinating.

[@joanhoffman3702]

I love these behind the scenes looks. It gives me a greater appreciation of how things are designed and made. And seeing people share their expertise and enthusiasm is inspiring! Please keep making these types of videos. They are so worth watching.

[@DouglasLambert]

This series is probably one of the best ones Tested has ever produced. Congratulations!

[@simonhoney2050]

Dang museums are so precious. A place where you ask a question and he says "I could show you some examples." Pulls out the original hammer and everything. I'm envious of Adam, but can't think of a better ambassador to visit and report back.

[@psyshock253]

Every time I see Adam savage interviewing with someone I can always tell that their day became so much better as a result

[@Loop_Kat]

I could listen to Ted talk about this stuff all day, I swear

[@bennyfactor]

Incredible story about the WWII helmets. Incredible!

[@tommeakin1732]

Misleading beginning though. Writing off the brodie helmet like that is very much an example of "US nationalists hating using or doing British things". Not saying that to annoy people, but this kind of thing is well documented from ww1 and ww2. It's disheartening to hear an intelligent man at a museum repeating stuff like this.

[@leonardo.1024]

I know Adam wishes he could go nerd out over the process of restoration, and I, too, wish he had more opportunities to do so because this is fascinating. Massive props to Ted for the documentation he has to hand and being a fantastic explainer, as well as for letting Adam/us in to see.

[@grumpydusty]

Does Ted have any social media? He needs to keep sharing! Hope Adam has more trips like this for a series.

[@ducomaritiem7160]

Thanx Adam, this one was a real treat! My love is in Helmets, making Helmets and wearing Helmets.

[@FoCoPuffs]

Adam, I own a German helmet from WW2 collected from Kasserine Pass by my great uncle. He was a forward observer who survived North Africa and Anzio. The only owners have been the man who wore it, my great uncle who picked it up, my grandad, and myself. The threads for tensioning the leather lining are gone but all the leather is there and attached to the steel. If you are interested, I can't imagine a better collection for it.

[@gl15col]

I know they're really busy, but I sure would love to see a series of short youtube videos on their work and the collection. And I remember when they borrowed a couple tanks to see if they could pull apart the interleafed phone books; that was freaking amazing.

[@TYoungPhDRRT]

This man is an absolute master craftsman!! I certainly hope he has apprentices who are learning this art so it carries on into the future.

[@thegodofhellfire]

The origin story about the M1 helmet. Amazing!

[@moranjackson7662]

Fun fact: when my dad was in the German army, around 1958, he was given the M1 helmet. The German helmet came way later. I still have it in storage.

[@hollyevolving]

When the tool itself also belongs in a museum. What a wonderful thing to share.

[@alexstewart839]

This whole series with the armor department has been so informative!

[@AlexDiesTrying]

Imagine people payed that much attention to detail when handling each other. I like the dedication.

[@TheLaughingPanda]

This is so cool, I love these videos with the Met conservators so much!

[@SebastianPerezG]

I imagine how hard was making this things in old days, today you have machines and automation but in those days was everything by hand. Amazing.

[@erichunter77]

Dangit Ted! I wanted to see Adam's face when you showed him the actual aluminum prototype! His nerdy heart would have squee'd so hard. Mine did when I saw it.

[@NorthStarFooligan]

Awesome, love the MET arms and armor series!

[@mlawson42]

"I'm trying Ringo" - All it took to gain my unwavering loyalty, bless you Adam!

[@Kjleed13]

I’m really impressed how well people can recreate and even improve on lost skills and trades.

[@simonbach3618]

Love Adam´s enthusiasm in these videos!

[@wantoutin20]

Fun fact. The US Army 1917 experimental helmet in the photo. Even though the design was rejected by the US Army, it was adopted by the Swiss Army and served from 1918 to the 1970s when the M71 was introduced. The helmet dome was similar in design, but the edge flairs were greatly reduced all the way around the helmet. The German helmet shown is a beauty. It's an M40 (stamped vent with rolled rim edges) and 3 color camouflage paint has been added in the field over the factory dark green. The museum shouldn't have any problem replacing the liner for the M1. Fiber liners and chinstraps, even with WW2 dates are still pretty common.

[@itskarl7575]

In Norway we had the M1 until at least the end of the '90s. It absolutely did not come in three different sizes, though. Like the joke went, "one size, fits none". A great looking helmet, but a hateful thing to wear. If running full tilt over rough terrain, you had to keep a hand on top of it to keep it from falling off (because you couldn't really use the strap). When marching, if you weren't careful when you stopped, you could get the front rim of the helmet down on the bridge of your nose. I think the reason for its popularity was solely due to how cheap it was to manufacture.

[@inegom1735]

Just started seeing this series from adam and seeing this and his ones in the royal society, I hope we can have Adam come back to the uk and visit the Royal Armouries.

[@danielsimard6506]

I love watching this series! It's so interesting to see old armors (always been a fascination of mine) and how they function / how they were made, etc...

[@MagicBrownie420]

How does this only have a hundred some thousand views!? Ive watched it like three times in the past ten months lol. Plus Adam has over six million subscribers?! Come on guys.

[@laboratoryrack6488]

Amazing. Ted Hunter needs his own channel.

[@jcollif]

I would love to just sit and a bar and share some beers with these Met guys. Ted not only knows the craft.....but his historical knowledge is so deep. He's in the perfect job.

[@cenciende9401]

What if they're not losers who drink alcohol?

[@sergarlantyrell7847]

I could listen to this guy talk about armour for ever.

[@terribleterrier1685]

This armor guy needs his own KZbin channel. Engaging and fascinating.

[@richs7362]

This is great! I saw a video tour of the Arms and Armor museum in London recently, that place is unreal!

[@konkelkent]

This guy is extremely talented at what he does, those look amazing.

[@LucasCarter2]

For anyone wondering what real conservation looks like, it’s what this guy does. Baumgartner is no conservationist, he is a restorer but not a conserver. This man is leagues above baumgartner and his methodical approach is worth envy.

[@daltongrowley5280]

This is so incredible! that workshop itself should be in a museum!

[@ToddTevlin]

LOVE this series!

[@AllenKopic]

I love the desk in the background 😮

[@f1matt]

These MET videos are fascinating!

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Great experience listening to Ringo expand on the history we never hear about. Wonderful series guys! 👍😃

[@JeffJK000]

Job Title: Armour Restorer & Preservationist. What do you do?: I make rivets.

[@k.c.whatyoudidthere]

its like watching your dad and his friends geeking out

[@kurtcraig3421]

fascinating. quickest 20 mins of day so far

[@StonedtotheBones13]

😂 "that sounds like you" honestly tho, mythbusters and Adam have really brought knowledge to so many ppl, and brought together that of so many more

[@Mindgamescc]

Would love to see Adam visit Ugo Serrano and show the armors Ugo made for movies and recreation

[@brianreddeman951]

So tempted to get back into armor making. Gauntlets are fun.

[@benjaminblakemore9704]

TED IS A SUPERSTAR 😂😂❤❤

[@RyanMercer]

Really cool!

[@nathkrupa3463]

Great video Adam sir you are fantastic.

[@Briandoesit]

This is what they should be teaching and showing in High school history.

[@coryganley1374]

Please do more episodes like this

[@TheSkandihoovian]

This is absolutely fascinating. Does the MET armor dept have their channel? They should. Maybe collaborate with Adam Savage.

[@macleod5295]

Thank you for these videos. They are so fascinating!

[@HeadCannonPrime]

If this was a fantasy world that hammer would be some kind of magical holy relic that people would fight wars over.

[@KyleCowden]

When I went to jump school in '78, the M1 was still standard issue with the addition of a rectangular pad that was strapped in at the rear. We "affectionately" called those brain blotters.

[@allanturmaine5496]

Whoa. I was unaware you were still making content! Happy day.

[@allanturmaine5496]

I feel like I inverted the punctuation in my previous comment, but now it's beautifully awkward.

[@allanturmaine5496]

I've played enough Civ to fear Suleiman at the height of his power. Those siege weapons...

[@godtoHrD]

Adam savage video about armor = yay fun time

[@TallianAdventures]

I absolutely love this series! keep it up friend!

[@williamskris6335]

Absolutely fascinating! Wow!!! TY for sharing!!! God bless!!!

[@DavidGuyton]

fascinating.

[@thomasnelson2979]

really fascinating, thanks

[@Zeno_Evil]

I love watching these videos where the "bull in a china shop" style maker (where speed being a primary objective) visits a precisionist maker (where accuracy is the primary objective) and truely appreciates the difference between their approaches (each having their place). And it's more than simply lip service in his interviewing videos, as his "chasing zeros" mantra has demonstrated. Professional growth is a joy to watch.

[@LouseGrouse]

I think that’s an Adrian helmet in the background? Was hoping they would talk about that one too, especially with the semi-recent testing that was done on the design to compare it with modern military helmets. Either way, I am LOVING this armour series.

[@owensparks5013]

I like the idea of having the half restored helmet displayed on an electric turntable.

[@Bryan-el8ki]

Such a cool job

[@vilstef6988]

This was fascinating and a real learning experience!

[@christophertaylor6079]

Love this guy... Adam too of course. Great vids tested, sweet.

[@kazielbonn]

Pretty cool that the German one looks a lot like a Celtic-inspired Roman Montefortino helmet.

[@XMcBainXUSA]

Just amazing!

[@DavidFraserYHZ]

Two gifted teachers.

[@DSlyde]

The book they mention is Helmets and Body Armor in Modern Warfare by Bashford Dean. Its fascinating to anyone interested in medieval armor or WW1 and 2. Its also legally free.

[@charlesmoore3390]

"That sound's like you!" "I'm trying, Ringo. I'm working on it." Stay humble, Adam. 👍

[@markmiller6402]

This guy knows his stuff

[@Godandfam]

Super cool 😎

[@minenotyours212]

Adam comparing guild signs to gang tattoos is so wholesome to me.

[@TimoNoko]

That is my Stahlhelm M35 from Finnish Army 1976. I sometimes wondered where it might be.

[@mfwitmer]

More Ted!

[@scottmoody3926]

Was that a pulp fiction reference 😂 great stuff!

[@aggressivli]

Funny, the picture in the background at 16:00 shows the armor that Adams $500 Etsy armor he featured last summer was inspired from

[@timparsons3565]

Baumgardner Restoration fans recognize good conservation techniques.

[@ddviper8813]

I wish I loved my Job as much as this guy. 🤕

[@ASecretEnding]

The symbol on the left side of the first helmet is an "Ave Maria" monogram. If you visit Rome you can see it in certain basilicas.

[@austindurham5736]

Stahl helm is the most beautiful awesome helmet ever made.

[@RestorationAustralia]

Very cool stuff.😊

[@glennmorganfan9411]

I could honestly spend eons in that shop and likely never see it all. Arms and armor have always fascinated me, but I've left it fr too late to do anything about my obsessions.