Poland, Republic. A First War Adrian Helmet

A well-used example of the French Model 15 Adrian Helmet used by Polish troops, constructed of a steel shell. The crown features a raised die-stamped magnetic metal comb secured in place with rivets fastened at the three, six, nine, and twelve o’clock positions. Fastened to the peak of the helmet is a metal insignia measuring 50 mm in diameter and bearing the Polish eagle. The lower portion of the shell flares into an outward brim. A narrow metal rim is set around the interior circumference, holding in place a fully intact brown leather liner, which bears seven integrated flaps, each perforated with an eyelet. The helmet is unmarked and measures 19.5 mm (w) x 30 mm (l) x 14.5 mm (h) and shows signs of age and wear, including scratching, denting, loss of paint on the exterior of the helmet, and wear to the leather interior. Field-used, in fine condition. 

Footnote: The M15 Adrian helmet was a combat helmet issued to the French Army during the First World War and was also manufactured for use by allied troops in Russia, Romania, Serbia, Belgium and the United States. It was the first standard helmet of the French Army and was designed when millions of French troops were engaged in trench warfare, and head wounds from the falling shrapnel generated by indirect fire became a frequent cause of battlefield casualties. Introduced in 1915, it was the first modern steel helmet and it served as the basic helmet of many armies well into the 1930s. Initially issued to infantry soldiers, in modified form they were also issued to cavalry and tank crews. A subsequent version, the M26, was used during the Second World War.