Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice example of a genuine World War I M1915 French Army “Adrian” steel helmet. The helmet retains the original “dark horizon blue” paint, however the front insignia was removed some time ago. The liner size is approximately US 7 3/8 (59cm). Features a complete original leather liner in good condition, though it is somewhat dirty. The chin strap is unfortunately completely missing. Overall condition of the helmet is nice, though it does show its age. The shell shows some minor dings, scratches and paint chips consistent with age, as well as some degree of surface rust. If you were looking for a nicely priced Adrian 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.