Post by jcaputo on Mar 25, 2009 9:46:32 GMT -8
I have been restoring Adrian helmets for a number of years now and I thought some of the information I have collected might be of interest to some of you.
Between 1915 and 1945 the French produced three different models of helmets. They are known respectively to collectors as the M15, M20 and M26 models. For all intensive purposes this article with focus on the M15
The M15 Adrian helmet was produced by eight different firms. They are respectively: 1.Compteurs et Materiel d'Usines a Gaz Paris
2) Angus Dupeyron Paris
3) Le Jouet De Paris
4) Reflex Paris
5) Le Compagnie Colonial
6) Société des Phares Auteroche
7) Les Etablissements Japy de Fesches-le-Châtel dans le Doubs
8) Les Arsenaux de Brest et Cherbourg
It should be noted that each of these factories produced helmets that bear slightly different characteristics. For instance helmets produced by Reflex Paris have a shallow crest. Helmets produced by Les Etablissements Japy de Fesches-le-Châtel dans le Doubs are probably the most distinct as they lack the side rivets common other Adrians. The helmets skirts on Japy helmets are welded not riveted into place.
Factories were required to stamp with ink the inside of the helmet with their company logo and a letter stamp corresponding to the size of the helmet. Unfortunately these stamps are hard to find as the ink often worn off after time.
The M15 model was produced in three sizes during the war. Size A (53-55 cm) Size B (56-57 cm) and size C (58-59). Come collectors believe that a size D was produced in limited quantities.
As mentioned in the previous paragraph Adrians from different factories differ in appearance. This is also true in regards to the paint. Horizon blue paint varies in shade and luster from factories to factories. Japy helmets seem almost always exhibit a slightly glossy light horizon blue color making them popular with collectors. While helmets from Le Compagnie Colonial helmet to exhibit a more medium horizon blue color with a slightly more satin sheen opposed the semi-gloss finish on Japy helmets. There is also a very dark horizon blue that is sometimes seen. It should also be noted soldiers often had their helmets re-painted by hand by supply depots. Hand painted helmet very in shade and sheen. This is probably due to the paint being sourced locally. Contrary to what is often believed there does not seem to be a correct horizon blue for certain points in the war. Late war produced Adrians with glossy finishes bear this out. What is true is that Colonial units were authorized in 1918 to over-paint their helmets with a mustard color khaki paint to match their uniforms. It is also in 1918 that factories were ordered to start producing mustard colored colonial helmets. Prior to 1918 Colonial troops had horizon blue helmet like the rest of the French forces.
Adrian Chinstraps were produced made with pig, cow, and horse skin. Chinstraps were fastened to the helmet with a either brass or steel tubular rivet set with a hand rivet setter. The chinstrap buckles could be brass or steel. One interesting variation sometimes seen on original Adrians is the so-called officer/NCO braided version. The braided chinstrap was actually a privately purchased item and not just for Officers and NCOs. Original photos do show enlisted them wearing these. There are a number of versions of these, probably produced locally. Original display both brass and steel hardware.
The Adrian helmet liners also vary. There are two so-called version produced during the war. The 1st pattern, made from blackened leather with 7 fingers and the 2nd pattern with is usually made form natural brown leather and has 6 fingers. There does not seen to be a correlation between the pattern and year of issue.
I hope this had some good information. Please let me know if you have questions.
Between 1915 and 1945 the French produced three different models of helmets. They are known respectively to collectors as the M15, M20 and M26 models. For all intensive purposes this article with focus on the M15
The M15 Adrian helmet was produced by eight different firms. They are respectively: 1.Compteurs et Materiel d'Usines a Gaz Paris
2) Angus Dupeyron Paris
3) Le Jouet De Paris
4) Reflex Paris
5) Le Compagnie Colonial
6) Société des Phares Auteroche
7) Les Etablissements Japy de Fesches-le-Châtel dans le Doubs
8) Les Arsenaux de Brest et Cherbourg
It should be noted that each of these factories produced helmets that bear slightly different characteristics. For instance helmets produced by Reflex Paris have a shallow crest. Helmets produced by Les Etablissements Japy de Fesches-le-Châtel dans le Doubs are probably the most distinct as they lack the side rivets common other Adrians. The helmets skirts on Japy helmets are welded not riveted into place.
Factories were required to stamp with ink the inside of the helmet with their company logo and a letter stamp corresponding to the size of the helmet. Unfortunately these stamps are hard to find as the ink often worn off after time.
The M15 model was produced in three sizes during the war. Size A (53-55 cm) Size B (56-57 cm) and size C (58-59). Come collectors believe that a size D was produced in limited quantities.
As mentioned in the previous paragraph Adrians from different factories differ in appearance. This is also true in regards to the paint. Horizon blue paint varies in shade and luster from factories to factories. Japy helmets seem almost always exhibit a slightly glossy light horizon blue color making them popular with collectors. While helmets from Le Compagnie Colonial helmet to exhibit a more medium horizon blue color with a slightly more satin sheen opposed the semi-gloss finish on Japy helmets. There is also a very dark horizon blue that is sometimes seen. It should also be noted soldiers often had their helmets re-painted by hand by supply depots. Hand painted helmet very in shade and sheen. This is probably due to the paint being sourced locally. Contrary to what is often believed there does not seem to be a correct horizon blue for certain points in the war. Late war produced Adrians with glossy finishes bear this out. What is true is that Colonial units were authorized in 1918 to over-paint their helmets with a mustard color khaki paint to match their uniforms. It is also in 1918 that factories were ordered to start producing mustard colored colonial helmets. Prior to 1918 Colonial troops had horizon blue helmet like the rest of the French forces.
Adrian Chinstraps were produced made with pig, cow, and horse skin. Chinstraps were fastened to the helmet with a either brass or steel tubular rivet set with a hand rivet setter. The chinstrap buckles could be brass or steel. One interesting variation sometimes seen on original Adrians is the so-called officer/NCO braided version. The braided chinstrap was actually a privately purchased item and not just for Officers and NCOs. Original photos do show enlisted them wearing these. There are a number of versions of these, probably produced locally. Original display both brass and steel hardware.
The Adrian helmet liners also vary. There are two so-called version produced during the war. The 1st pattern, made from blackened leather with 7 fingers and the 2nd pattern with is usually made form natural brown leather and has 6 fingers. There does not seen to be a correlation between the pattern and year of issue.
I hope this had some good information. Please let me know if you have questions.
