WWI French M1915 Adrian Engineers Steel Helmet — Original with RF Badge
WWI French M1915 Adrian Engineers Steel Helmet — Original with RF Badge
WWI French M1915 Adrian Engineers Steel Helmet — Original with RF Badge
Authentic Great War Militaria · French Army Engineers Corps · M1915 Adrian Pattern · Original Steel
A distinguished and authentic piece of First World War military history. This French M1915 Adrian Pattern Engineers Steel Helmet is an original example bearing the RF (République Française) Engineers Corps badge — one of the branch-specific front plates that identified the wearer's arm of service. The Adrian helmet was a landmark in military design: introduced in 1915 under Intendant-General Louis Auguste Adrian, it was the first mass-produced steel helmet of the Great War, replacing the vulnerable kepi cap and dramatically reducing shrapnel casualties in the trenches.
The helmet retains its classic Adrian profile — the distinctive reinforced crest, front visor, and rear neck guard — all in solid steel. The original patina and honest age-related surface wear are entirely consistent with a working military artefact of this period and enhance rather than detract from its authenticity and display presence.
Key Details
- Pattern: M1915 Adrian
- Branch: Engineers Corps (Génie)
- Badge: RF Engineers front plate
- Material: Steel
- Length: 29.9 cm
- Country of origin: France
- Period: c.1915–1918
- Condition: Original — honest age wear, please refer to photographs
Why Collectors Value This Piece
- Genuine WWI-era original — not a reproduction
- Branch-specific RF Engineers badge — more scarce than standard infantry examples
- Iconic Adrian profile — one of the most recognisable helmets of the Great War
- Rich original patina consistent with authentic field use
- Ideal for WWI militaria collections, display, or historical research
- Sourced and authenticated by Leans Gallery specialists
Most objects sold in our gallery are antiques, vintage or used and will show appropriate signs of age, including possible scratches, discolouration, or wear. Please refer to the photographs, which form part of the description. Overseas buyers may be liable for import duties, taxes, or fees applicable in their country. All items are meticulously packed for safe UK and international shipping. Contact us for a courier quote.