Adrian helmet ink stamps on inside

[oldrag71]

 

Hello,

Recently purchased this helmet from a gentleman in France as a gift for my son; he is the WW1 collector.  I would just like to confirm that it is authentic WW1 Adrian helmet.  I am also wondering if anyone can tell me what the red and blue arrows mean?  I know that the yellow arrow shows the size as 55.

Thanks.

 

 

 

 

[Michael Haselgrove]

Hi Oldrag71,

Welcome to the Forum! 

In my opinion, your helmet is a Great War period French Adrian Model 1915 helmet.  The helmet appears authentic save perhaps the white paint on the helmet badge. 

The marking indicated by the red arrow is the manufacturer's mark  of la Societe des Phares Autoroche which was one of eight companies supplying the French government with helmets. 

As for the other two marks, they both relate to the helmet size.  The Adrian shell was manufactured in three different sizes, namely A, B and C.  Each of those three helmet shell sizes was divided into three sub-sizes based on the helmet circumference with the liner in place in centimetres.  Your helmet shell is a size A and the internal liner measurement is size 2 which is 55 centimetres.  The size of the helmet within a given helmet shell size was varied by the depth and/or number of the aluminium  spacers. 

I hope this helps and that your son enjoys his present.

Michael.

[AOK4]

25 minutes ago, Michael Haselgrove said:

The helmet appears authentic save perhaps the white paint on the helmet badge.

I don't think that's paint, but rather bare metal.

[oldrag71]

Thank you Michael as you answered all of the questions.  Also AOK4 you are correct; it was the lighting in my photos, that is wear on the front badge.  THANKS TO ALL!

[Chasemuseum]

13 hours ago, Michael Haselgrove said:

In my opinion, your helmet is a Great War period French Adrian Model 1915 helmet. 

Agree, I have handled many French helmets and this looks good

Cheers

Ross