WWI French M15 Adrian Helmet for Artillery – Horizon Blue Steel Helmet w/ Liner & Chinstrap
Original French Model 1915 Adrian helmet for Artillery troops, dating to the First World War.
This example retains its original horizon blue (bleu horizon) finish and features the distinctive crossed cannon artillery insignia to the front. The helmet remains complete with its original liner system and chinstrap.
Particularly interesting is the interior construction, showing the characteristic wartime use of recycled uniform cloth remnants integrated into the liner assembly—an increasingly encountered but still highly collectible detail reflecting French wartime production methods and material shortages.
The helmet displays honest age and service wear throughout, including paint loss and patina consistent with genuine field-used examples. The interior remains substantially intact, and the helmet presents very well overall with strong display appeal.
A classic and iconic piece of First World War French militaria.
€250,00
In stock
In stock
Details
| Branch | Army, Artillery |
|---|---|
| Conflict | World War I |
| Country | France |
| Era | World War I (1914-1918) |
Statement
Wolfgang Historica is a trusted seller with years of experience and consistently positive reviews. We are always interested in purchasing collections or unique objects and also offer a professional consignment service. Buy with confidence.
Historical Description
The M1915 Adrian helmet was introduced by the French Army in 1915 after the devastating casualties suffered during the early stages of World War I. Prior to its adoption, French soldiers largely fought without steel head protection, resulting in catastrophic head wounds from artillery shrapnel.
Designed by Intendant-General August-Louis Adrian, the helmet became one of the first modern steel combat helmets widely issued during the war. Its lightweight construction and distinctive combed profile were intended primarily to protect against falling debris and shell fragments in trench warfare.
The crossed cannon badge identifies this helmet as issued to French artillery troops, one of the most important branches of the French Army during WWI. French artillery played a central role throughout the conflict, particularly during:
- Verdun (1916)
- The Somme
- Chemin des Dames
- The final Allied offensives of 1918
The helmet’s iconic “bleu horizon” color was adopted to improve battlefield camouflage compared to the highly visible pre-war French uniforms.
By war’s end, the Adrian helmet had become symbolic of the French soldier of the Great War and influenced helmet designs adopted by several other nations.
