This is an original World War I French M1915 Adrian helmet, issued to infantry forces of the French Republic (République Française), as denoted by the “RF” flaming grenade emblem affixed to the front. The helmet retains its original dark horizon blue combat paint, now heavily worn with oxidation, surface rust, and scattered chipping consistent with long field use. The steel body shows no structural damage or postwar restoration. Of particular significance is the helmet’s interior, which remains complete with the original brown leather liner and partial chinstrap assembly. Though the liner shows expected cracking, dryness, and wear from age and use, it remains securely affixed with the central drawstring still present—an increasingly rare feature in WW1 examples. Most notably, the helmet bears a deeply scratched-in name on the rear inner brim: “LEMOINE”, likely identifying the original French soldier to whom this helmet was issued. Personalized pieces like this offer collectors a more tangible human connection to the men who served in the trenches of the Great War. The M1915 Adrian helmet was among the earliest mass-produced combat helmets of the modern era, introduced in response to the devastating head injuries suffered in the early months of WWI. Unlike the German Stahlhelm or British Brodie, the Adrian was constructed from lighter-gauge steel and issued in branch-specific variants. The RF grenade insignia signifies infantry service, the largest and most heavily engaged branch of the French Army during the war. This example offers not only the rugged authenticity of a frontline-used artifact, but also the added value of provenance through its named rim—making it an exceptional piece for any collector of WWI militaria or French military history.  At VDG Militaria, we are dedicated to providing collectors with an exceptional selection of original military antiques. Our passion for history and commitment to authenticity ensure that every item we offer is thoroughly researched, accurately described, and meticulously photographed. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to the world of militaria, our curated inventory includes a diverse range of artifacts from various periods and conflicts. From uniforms and insignia to medals and equipment, we aim to connect you with pieces that tell the stories of the past. Our expertise and attention to detail mean you can trust that every item you purchase is genuine and precisely represented. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we strive to make your collecting experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. If you have any inquiries or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Using the Offer Feature We are pleased to offer a "Make an Offer" feature on our website, allowing you to negotiate the price of items that catch your eye. Once you submit an offer, expect an email from us shortly after. If your offer is accepted, the email will include a special payment link for your convenience. Please check your spam folder if you have strict email filters. We promise to respond to all offers as quickly as possible. If you do not hear from us within one business day, feel free to reach out directly via phone or text at the contact information below to ensure your request is promptly addressed. Contact Us For the fastest response, we recommend reaching out via email or text. We typically reply to emails and text messages the quickest. 📧 Email: vdgmilitaria@yahoo.com
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