gentleman:
I would like to "clean up" this helmet.
What would you recommend or should I leave it alone?
Thank you
rhj

I'm not a helmet guy but I would leave it alone. That rust isn't bad enough to further deteriorate the helmet and I don't think it can be returned to "as new". It shows its wear and age as it should. It is history.

There is nothing that you could do that would not ruin it by trying to "clean it up". I am not a helmet collector as such but have had several in the past & that is my opinion. You may be able to prevent any further deterioration by the application of something like renwax (renaissance wax). This is a benign substance that will offer protection fom the atmosphere & can easily be completely removed with white spirit if a subsequent owner did not like the slight lustre that it provides.

Suggest you might ask a second opinion in the helmet forum

Leave it as is. Anything you do to it will lower its value as a collector's item. As long as you don't have excess moisture in the air of yor home it will not deteriorate...

As everyone else has said, dont do anything to remove the rust. There is nothing you can do to it that will not harm the paint and decal.

I read in another forum about the use of "endust" and even "pledge" to enhance a rusty helmet such as your,,I personally have never used it,,but I thought I would mention it as they showed pics of helmets like your both before and after,,,,

Thank you all for your advice.
Much appreciated.
rhj