Original French WWI Model 1915 Adrian Helmet with RF Field Medical Personnel Badge – Horizon Blue Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good example of a genuine World War I M1915 French Army “Adrian” steel helmet, outfitted for medical personnel. Medical Adrian Helmets are very hard to come by, especially in original unmolested condition. The helmet retains the original “dark horizon blue” paint on the shell, and was not repainted post war. The front of the helmet still has its original French Medical Personnel badge, which has a half Laurel / Half Oak wreath, with the medical “Rod of Asclepius” in the center. Around this is the standard R F on the “bomb”, for Republique Francaise. This is the badge used for Field Medics, Combat Surgeons, and other medical personnel operating in the field.

The liner is the second pattern version, and the size is around a 58-59cm (7 1/4 – 7 3/8), and is in good condition, with mostly intact leather and most of the corrugated metal surround. The top tie strap still intact. The original chinstrap is unfortunately missing.

Overall condition of the helmet is nice, though it does show its age. The shell shows dents, dings, scratches and paint wear consistent with age and long service. If you were looking for a nice service used Adrian Medic Helmet to fill out your WWI collection, this is a great chance!

The M15 Adrian helmet (French: Casque Adrian) was a combat helmet issued to the French Army during World War I. It was the first standard helmet of the French Army and was designed when millions of French troops were engaged in trench warfare, and head wounds from the falling shrapnel generated by the new technique of indirect fire became a frequent cause of battlefield casualties. Introduced in 1915, it was the first modern steel helmet and it served as the basic helmet of many armies well into the 1930s. Initially issued to infantry soldiers, in modified form they were also issued to cavalry and tank crews. A subsequent version, the M26, was used during World War II.