A FINE WORLD WAR ONE FRENCH STEEL HELMET

A FINE WORLD WAR ONE FRENCH STEEL HELMET

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$495.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2026-2202

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

The Model 1915 "Adrian" Helmet, the first of its kind in modern and the first mass-produced, universal issue military helmet.  The "Casque Adrian" was developed in 1915 and was designed to protect trench-bound French soldiers in combat; 77% of the early World War One wounds were head injuries. Widespread issue of the helmet commenced in July 1915 and was in universal use by late winter; by war's end 20 million had been produced. General Louis Adrian, in charge of the French Army's supply and distribution, was instrumental in developing the helmet. It weighed almost two pounds, was made of .7-millimeter stamped steel, and manufactured in seven separate pieces excluding the helmet lining and chinstrap. A comb was riveted to the top of the crown.  This comb served two purposes; one it was decorative and made the helmet distinct.  Secondly, it strengthened the helmet and served as an additional deflection point for deadly objects coming from above. The helmet was painted "Horizon Blue".  By mid-1915 French troops were wearing their new horizon blue colored uniforms. Unique to the Adrian helmet was the badge placed on the front in this case an "RF" (Republique Francais) on a flaming ordnance bomb. The famed black infantry unit dubbed "The Harlem Hellfighters" who spent more time in the Trenches than any other US unit were issued the Adrian Helmet.

This is a nice untouched uncleaned complete example with the full original leather lining and the leather chin strap. Both show great age and have minor losses but are supple to the touch. The helmet has about 80% of its original horizon blue paint that has oxidized to a dark gray/blue shade. Where there is paint loss the steel is heavily patinated therefore the losses occurred a long time back. There are assorted minor dents from real trench warfare action. This one has that look of a veteran "bring back" and is about as fine as they come. [pe][ph:L]

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