Original French WWI Officer's M1915 Adrian Infantry Helmet with 1st Pattern Liner and Fantastic Braided Officer’s Leather Chinstrap - Rare Large Size

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an authentic World War I M-1915 French Army Officer’s Adrian helmet complete with a rare Officer’s Braided Leather Chinstrap and first pattern liner. The original French "Flaming Bomb" badge is still present on the front of the helmet, with the standard R F on the "bomb" standing for Republique Francaise. This badge is typically used on standard Infantry issue helmets. The helmet seems to have been painted at least once, and possibly a second time with a different shade of blue. Such Adrian helmets were heavily used during the various battles fought across France, and were repainted often at depots.

The “one-piece” liner with seven tongues is referred to as the “first pattern.” This first pattern leather liner is present, but it shows signs of heavy wear and tear. There is still a decent amount of finish present, but there is heavy material loss including some holes in the leather. The underside of the liner shows the dark blue wool padding used from uniform scraps. 1st Pattern liners are very difficult to find. The liner shows good service wear, and it looks like some period newspaper was stuffed under the lining to pad it. There is some staining as shown.

Stretched taut over the front brim of the helmet is a very scarce original officer’s braided leather chinstrap which has always been with the helmet. The chinstrap’s connections to the bales show heavy wear and degradation, but it is still solid.

An outstanding Infantry Officer’s Adrian helmet, ready for further research and display.