Tomb1302 Posted 20 December , 2018 Share Posted 20 December , 2018 Hello everyone, A few years back, at a small antique store in Texas, I came across an Adrian Helmet that looked pretty genuine. Being extremely passionate about the Great War, and my country's major impact (I am French), I finally thought it was time to try and identify the origins of this helmet. Unfortunately, I can't say I'm nearly experienced or knowledgeable enough to break down its origins, potential year(s) of service, or validity as a real helmet, or First World War helmet. It does, however, have the "RF flaming bomb" insignia, and more of a blue-ish tint (In my opinion). The inside displays little information other than what appears to be "Marseille", and "MA. M" Here are a few pictures I took of the helmet. Let me know if anything is missing. Thanks for your help, really appreciate it :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunner Bailey Posted 20 December , 2018 Share Posted 20 December , 2018 The rivets on the sides say WW2 French. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trenchtrotter Posted 20 December , 2018 Share Posted 20 December , 2018 Yep introduced in 1920s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trench whistle Posted 20 December , 2018 Share Posted 20 December , 2018 First war Adrians were made of three pieces and had a distinctive bead running around between the junction of brim and bowl of the helmet. Yours is easy to spot as a 1926 pattern helmet as it is pressed from a single piece of metal. Nice item all the same. I have one fairly grotty example but keep meaning to find a better one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trench whistle Posted 20 December , 2018 Share Posted 20 December , 2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools mckenna Posted 20 December , 2018 Share Posted 20 December , 2018 (edited) 1 hour ago, trench whistle said: Here's my example. Edited 20 December , 2018 by Jools mckenna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomb1302 Posted 20 December , 2018 Author Share Posted 20 December , 2018 Thanks for the replies everybody! How could I identify it’s validity as a real helmet? Is it a replica? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools mckenna Posted 20 December , 2018 Share Posted 20 December , 2018 (edited) 2 minutes ago, Tomb1302 said: Thanks for the replies everybody! How could I identify it’s validity as a real helmet? Is it a replica? Definitely, not a replica and everything seems to be there. Edited 20 December , 2018 by Jools mckenna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomb1302 Posted 20 December , 2018 Author Share Posted 20 December , 2018 Thanks so much guys @trench whistle Great explanation, thank you. Fascinating to learn the evolution of the helmet - I’ll keep that in mind! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomb1302 Posted 20 December , 2018 Author Share Posted 20 December , 2018 (edited) Just have two more questions: What does the text within the bowl of the helmet mean? (If anything) What does the condition of the helmet indicate about its use? Edited 20 December , 2018 by Tomb1302 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools mckenna Posted 20 December , 2018 Share Posted 20 December , 2018 1 minute ago, Tomb1302 said: Just have two more questions: What does the text within the bowl of the helmet mean? (If anything) What does the condition of the helmet ondicate about its use? Could be a makers mark? And It seems to have its fair share of scratches which usually means it was used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomb1302 Posted 20 December , 2018 Author Share Posted 20 December , 2018 4 minutes ago, Jools mckenna said: Could be a makers mark? And It seems to have its fair share of scratches which usually means it was used. Wow, makes it all the more humbling. Thank you for your time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomb1302 Posted 20 December , 2018 Author Share Posted 20 December , 2018 Looks like I "deciphered" the MA. M mystery. Was this in fact manufactured in 1937? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools mckenna Posted 20 December , 2018 Share Posted 20 December , 2018 18 minutes ago, Tomb1302 said: Looks like I "deciphered" the MA. M mystery. Was this in fact manufactured in 1937? Tomb, I would lock this thread as it's not about ww1 and the admins might lock it anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomb1302 Posted 20 December , 2018 Author Share Posted 20 December , 2018 Just now, Jools mckenna said: Tomb, I would lock this thread as it's not about ww1 and the admins might lock it anyway. Oh yes, that is true. My apologies - I was happy to find out. How exactly do I lock a thread? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts