Rarest 1915 Adrian?

[RelicHunter]

I've got a French 1915 Artillery badge helmet, but I'm curious as to the rarity of the other Adrian helmets used during WW1?

The Belgium lion's head badge is great, and I would love to get my hands on one of those, as well as the double headed Russian eagle badge helmet. Then there are the Czech and Romanian ones as well that I'm aware of. But these all seem to be very difficult to come by. Anyone know the relative rarity of these other non-French Adrians?

[cossack1648]

M15 Adrian

There were also Polish ones, a couple different versions. Horizon blue ones with two kinds of badges used by Polish troops in France. Russian issue ones used by Polish units in Russia. They had hand painted Polish eagles and are probably the rarest of them all.
Model 15 Adrians were also used in Polish army after wwI. Initially by all branches and towards wwII by cavalry units. All off them had metal Polish eagles, which were ordered to be removed in early thirties. Remining holes were soldered out. Some helmets were reconditioned and had liners changed. The visible sign for these are four rivets holding new liner.

That's to be brief on that wide subject.

Jack

[rajko84]

Their is also Kingdom of Serbia and kingdom of Yugoslavia Adrian helmets. They are very rare also. Much more rare then imperial Russian.

[stray_dog]

Greek ones are ultra-rare, too. First used during WW1, they later saw action in the Asia Minor campaign and even during WW2, by second line units, since the deal on the Italian M34/39s was broken with the outbreak of war and the available ones were not enough for the needs of the whole army.

These must have had at least one repaint during their service time and can be seen with Greek national shield, replacing the French emblems or without, in which case the holes are left exposed or have been soldered.

I have seen just one undisputable piece in person in about 8 years, probably used by the unified army post-1917, as the national shield also had a crown above it. Just a lovely piece!

Regards, Giorgos

[rajko84]

Kingdom of Serbia WWI

[RelicHunter]

What's the difference between the Serbian and Russian badges?

[rajko84]

What's the difference between the Serbian and Russian badges?

Serbian crest has four S inside of the shield. And if you google imperial Russian crest you will see the difference. I am not at the computer right now so can post it. I am writing from my cellphone.

[101combatvet]

Kingdom of Serbia WWI

Nice.

[TimoJ]

Wow, very nice!

But I would throw in to the mix.

Wouldn't the American Adrian be perhaps the rarest, it was afterall only used by 2 US coloured divisions attached to the French 95 (?) Division.

Timo

[rajko84]

Wow, very nice!

But I would throw in to the mix.

Wouldn't the American Adrian be perhaps the rarest, it was afterall only used by 2 US coloured divisions attached to the French 95 (?) Division.

Timo

Timo,
Was that one different then just a normal French helmet? How did the crest on the front of the helmet looked like?
I never heard about that helmet before.
And if you have a pick of it I would like to see it.

[Theodor]

Here's my Russian Adrian:

[rajko84]

Here's my Russian Adrian:

Thank you Theodor.

[stray_dog]

Both lovely helmets, the Serbian and Russian!

Don't have pics of the Greek one that I mentioned, but here is a depiction of an M15 of the unified army, from a greek publication.

Regards, Giorgos

[rajko84]

Both lovely helmets, the Serbian and Russian!

Don't have pics of the Greek one that I mentioned, but here is a depiction of an M15 of the unified army, from a greek publication.

Regards, Giorgos

Giorgos,
When I lived in Serbia I saw lot of different Adrian helmets but to be honest with you never Greek. Is their a reason for that. I know Serbian they destroyed or removed the crest after it become Yugoslavia.

[Gustaf B]

Wow, very nice!

But I would throw in to the mix.

Wouldn't the American Adrian be perhaps the rarest, it was afterall only used by 2 US coloured divisions attached to the French 95 (?) Division.

Timo

The Adrian used by US troops under control of the French was the same as the standard French Adrian, but if one managed to find one that had provinance to a soldier of the 93 division, then it would be a very rare example, but it would have to have good history behind it to be of more value than a stink common infantry Adrian.
Best
gus