At the outbreak of WW1 the nations of the world sent soldiers into combat without a helmet. This may seem crazy to us these days; however, back then it was the norm. The French were the first to develop a mass-produced helmet that was issued to all of their soldiers. They would go on to sell the design and helmets to the Russians and even to Peru, who used the design until the 1950s. Today, however, we will be sticking with the first pattern, the M1915, and looking through some of the WW1 French Adrian helmet models for sale across our partner sites.
French Army Adrian M1915
Up first is the standard army helmet. Overall, the Adrian helmets were all the same shape and design; however, what denoted them to a different regiment was the badge. This example retains its original RF (Republique Francais) flaming ball badge. This was used by the standard army regiments. When the helmets came out of the factory, they would be in “Horizon Blue” colour. This helmet here is a textbook example of that colour. Although it does have a dent to the top, the helmet is in good shape overall, and it even retains its original leather liner.
The seller states that the helmet has not been cleaned since it was rediscovered. It is currently for sale in the UK from The Militaria Shop for £175.99.
French M15 Adrian Helmet – Complete
The next helmet is the same pattern and same layout; however, it has been restored. The overall shell is in good, solid condition and it comes with the original liner and a post-WW1 French army chinstrap added. I have picked this helmet because although it has been repainted, it has been done in accordance with a period colour scheme and the price is adjusted to reflect this.
Currently this helmet is for sale in the UK from Battleflag Militaria and is listed at £135.
French Army M15 Artillery Helmet
For the next helmet we will stay with Battleflag Militaria. This helmet is a textbook French M1915 Artillery helmet that has been reused post WW1, making it interesting to collectors of both WW1 & WW2 items. The helmet shell shows normal wear and tear in the green paintwork that was likely done in the lead-up to WW2, as beneath you can still make out the original “Horizon Blue” paintwork we mentioned earlier. On the inside, the original liner and chinstrap are still intact and appear untouched, if not a little worn.
The list price on this item is £225.
WW1 French Chasseurs M1915 Adrian Helmet
As mentioned earlier, a lot of the variation in French Adrian helmets is the badge and this next helmet is no different. It is again an army helmet; however, the badge represents the “Chasseurs” or light infantry units in the army. It is actually quite a rare variation as helmet badges go. This example comes complete with its original liner and chinstrap still intact, as well as its factory “Horizon Blue” paint job. For extra added interest, this helmet has a field-applied lieutenant’s rank bar added to the front of the badge. This isn’t something you see too often on French helmets.
Currently for sale in the UK for £450 from Military Antiques.
WW1 French Engineer’s Adrian Helmet with Veteran’s Plate
At the end of WW1 most soldiers kept hold of their helmets and those that wanted them, were presented with a brass plate to be fitted to the front of their helmets. These are known as veteran’s plates by collectors. The plate states “Soldat de la Grande Guerre 1914-1918” which translates to “Soldier of the Great War 1914-1918”.
This helmet in particular is an engineer’s helmet showing the armour breast plate and helmet with the RF in the centre. The helmet is in overall good condition; perhaps a little more worn than some of the other examples in this article, but it is still a great rare helmet. The liner has sadly had the leather removed, but the chinstrap is still intact.
This helmet is available for sale in the UK for £245 from JC Militaria.
WW1 French M1915 Helmet with Newspaper Lining
The final helmet today we have already covered for the most part. It is a textbook horizon blue artillery helmet in lovely condition, with its original liner and chinstrap. Plus it has a veteran’s plate on the front. However, the interesting factor here is what can be found inside. The original owner of the helmet has padded the inside of the liner using newspaper. This was popular during WW1 due to the winter temperature, but is something that’s rarely survived. Through the liner you can make out that the newspaper was released in 1916. This just adds a really unique personal touch to this already great helmet.
Currently this WW1 Adrian helmet is for sale in the UK from CS Militaria for £365.
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