{"title":"French Militaria","description":"French Militaria for sale at International Military Antiques.","products":[{"product_id":"original-belgian-fn-49-safn-grenade-launcher-compatible-with-sks","title":"Original Belgian FN-49 SAFN Grenade Launcher - Compatible with SKS","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Very few available. Quality steel grenade launcher manufactured in Belgium for the Fabrique Nationale Model 1949 semi-automatic rifle. Features a cut-out for the cleaning rod, cam lock attachment, visible stampings ladder denoting 25, 50, 75, and 100 meters (makred in French 'metres') and launching sight. Offered in good condition, all need cleaning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso compatible with some SKS variations including 1958 Romanian issue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fabrique Nationale Model 1949 (often referred to as the FN-49 or SAFN) is a semi-automatic rifle designed by Dieudonné Saive and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale. It was used by the militaries of Argentina, Belgium, the Belgian Congo, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Luxembourg, and Venezuela.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile well regarded for its high build quality and reliability in comparison to the rifles of the time, its marketability was limited, as it was not developed in time for use in World War II but later, as many militaries had already begun the switch to selective fire assault rifles. As a result, it found itself in direct competition with a number of more modern rifles such as the Heckler \u0026amp; Koch G3 and Fabrique Nationale de Herstal's own FN FAL, resulting in limited sales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"No","offer_id":25651511621,"sku":"FN1949","price":79.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Yes","offer_id":25651512133,"sku":"FN1949","price":87.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/fn1949__3.jpg?v=1601971729"},{"product_id":"u-s-wwii-navy-h-4-type-flight-helmet-french-403-m3-bone-dome","title":"U.S. WWII Navy H-4 type Flight Helmet French 403-M3 Bone Dome","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: These are not U.S. issue, however, they are nearly identical to late 1940 early 1950s production U.S. Navy \u0026amp; Marine H-4 flight helmets by Gentex. These helmets are 1950\/60s era French made Type 403M3 flight helmets also by Gentex their subsidiary; SOCAPEX. The 403-M3 was designed directly from the American H-4 flight helmet (shared technology agreement) and is often seen mounted with a boom microphone, which is missing from our helmets. The shell is made from hardened fiber. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach helmet comes with liner, overall condition good to very good, will show storage age, but minor use wear. Most sizes are large (7 1\/2+ 60cm+).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"No","offer_id":25652124165,"sku":"MF1966","price":99.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Yes","offer_id":25652124357,"sku":"MF1966","price":109.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/mf1966w__5.jpg?v=1599510588"},{"product_id":"original-belgian-fn-1903-browning-pistol-magazine","title":"Original Belgian FN 1903 Browning Pistol Magazine","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: A hard to find magazine for the FN Model 1903 (M1903, FN Mle 1903) pistol. This is a factory pre-owned 9mm Long  7-round gun magazine offered in good functional but used condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe FN Model 1903 (M1903, FN Mle 1903), or Browning No.2 was a self-loading semi-automatic pistol engineered by John Browning and made by Belgian arms manufacturer Fabrique Nationale (FN). It was introduced in 1903 and fired the 9×20mmSR Browning Long cartridge. It should not be confused with the US-made Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless (in .32 ACP), nor with the Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammer (in .38 ACP). The FN Model 1903 is based on the same mechanical design as the Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless, which Browning sold to both companies (and others as well), but enlarged to handle the more powerful 9mm Browning Long cartridge. Due to its reliability, accuracy, light weight, and quick reloading, the M1903 was an issued sidearm for many police forces and militaries. The pistol was initially introduced by FN as the Browning Modèle de Guerre (Browning War Model) or Browning Grand Modèle (Browning Large Model).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"No","offer_id":25652125509,"sku":"MF2102","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Yes","offer_id":25652125637,"sku":"MF2102","price":38.45,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/mf2102__01.jpg?v=1601971909"},{"product_id":"french-wwi-adrian-helmet-era-flaming-bomb-brass-badge","title":"French WWI Adrian Helmet Era Flaming Bomb Brass Badge","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew Made Item: French WWI Era Flaming Bomb Badge, silhouetted as found on WWI issue Adrian helmets, constructed from brass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: 2 3\/8\" x 1 3\/4\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Made Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":26157043333,"sku":"MF1017","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/mf1017__1.jpg?v=1628130486"},{"product_id":"wwii-allied-forces-d-day-invasion-combat-knife-without-scabbard","title":"WWII Allied Forces D-Day Invasion Combat Knife without Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew Made Item: These are reproductions of the extremely rare emergency issue cruciform bladed fighting knives used by Free French and other Allied troops during the second part of 1944.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally using a 6 1\/2\" blade section from a French 1886 Lebel bayonet mounted on an all steel knurled no-slip hilt. Issued in slightly modified British #4 spike bayonet scabbards the originals of this model are now very rare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fascinating piece of WW2 Invasion equipment, new made D-Day Lebel Fighting knife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnife only; no Scabbard.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Made Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":26168155717,"sku":"AMU3013","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/amu3013__6.jpg?v=1671044971"},{"product_id":"original-nato-military-surplus-wool-and-cotton-blend-balaclava-od-green","title":"Original NATO Military Surplus Wool and Cotton Blend Balaclava- OD Green","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Just released from NATO Stores these are European made 50% Wool, 50% Cotton whole head covers with hanging neck and throat protectors for use in cold weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery comfortable fabric blend with only a small oval eye slit has been installed with a quality edge binding. High quality knit construction as required by exacting NATO military specifications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne Size fits all complete with NATO sewn tag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for wearing under a helmet or other headgear, these actually resemble the \"terrorist\" balaclava head covers we see each night on the TV news in the Ukraine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in virtually unissued condition, every man should have one of these for those cold and windy winter days.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":26168431365,"sku":"MM1040","price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/mm1040w__2.jpg?v=1601483117"},{"product_id":"original-french-white-pistol-belt-military-police-issue","title":"Original French White Pistol Belt - Military Police Issue","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Used by French military police these are original substantial white rubberized \"Sam Browne\" style holster belts that have a double pronged buckle. Usually used in conjunction with the standard French Foreign legion style leather holsters for the series P38, P50 and PA15 9mm pistols.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":26168441861,"sku":"MF1022","price":9.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/mf1022__1.jpg?v=1601783447"},{"product_id":"wwii-allied-forces-d-day-invasion-combat-knife-and-scabbard","title":"WWII Allied Forces D-Day Invasion Combat Knife and Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew Made Item: These are reproductions of the extremely rare emergency issue cruciform bladed fighting knives used by Free French and other Allied troops during the second part of 1944.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally using a 6 1\/2\" blade section from a French 1886 Lebel bayonet mounted on an all steel knurled no-slip hilt. Issued in slightly modified British #4 spike bayonet scabbards the originals of this model are now very rare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fascinating piece of WW2 Invasion equipment, new made D-Day Lebel Fighting knife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComes complete with correct British WWII Standard Spike Bayonet Scabbard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Made Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":26169420869,"sku":"AMU3012","price":49.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/amu3012w__1.jpg?v=1600826318"},{"product_id":"french-wwi-m15-adrian-steel-helmet","title":"French WWI M15 Adrian Steel Helmet","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew Made Item: Named for General Adrian this was the first pattern steel helmet adopted for the French Infantry as standard issue in 1915. Constructed in four steel parts, peak, neck, bowl and comb each helmet offered in correct sky blue color. Comes with painted brass \"Flaming Bomb\" insignia helmet badge embossed \"R.F.\" Complete with full leather liner and leather chinstrap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiffering from the WW2 version constructed in two pieces only, bowl with integral peak and neck stamping and the added comb, these WW1 style Adrian Helmets have always been very hard to find. A great new made example of what is now a rare World War one Adrian Helmet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFITS UP TO SIZE 7 5\/8 US (61 cm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M15 Adrian helmet (French: Casque Adrian) was a combat helmet issued to the French Army during World War I. 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 the new technique of 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 World War II.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Made Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":26170000645,"sku":"MF1020","price":79.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/MF1020__06.jpg?v=1599177039"},{"product_id":"french-mas-36-cr39-paratrooper-sling","title":"French MAS-36 CR39 Paratrooper Sling","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: The MAS-36 CR39 with its folding aluminum butt stock is one of the scarcest modern military rifles. Even scarcer are the slings, and even scarcer than that are unissued slings. IMA has acquired and extremely small quantity of unissued MAS-36 CR39 slings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe CR39 was derived from the standard MAS-36, France's last major bolt-action military rifle. The wooden butt of the MAS-36 was replaced by a hollow aluminum butt that hinged forward under the rifle. The sling, which was made narrow to fit into the hollow of the butt, attached to the upper sling swivel with the common stud-and-slot system, but the lower attachment was completely unique. A pin through the stock passed through a metal bracket riveted to the lower end of the sling like the pin in a hinge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the photograph of the French soldier in the trench, an MAS-36 CR39 rifle is lying on the slope in front of the soldier. The bottom of the rifle is visible, and the sling and its attachment inside the butt can be seen. (Photo source: ECPAD, France)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":26170061189,"sku":"MF5009","price":79.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/MF5009__01.jpg?v=1599329201"},{"product_id":"original-french-foreign-legion-9mm-pistol-holster","title":"Original French Foreign Legion 9mm Pistol Holster","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Modeled on the German WW2 P-38 Pistol Holster these are official French Military Semi automatic pistol holsters adopted and made immediately after WW2 for use with P-38 Pistols, followed by the 9mm MAC P50 pistol adopted in 1953 and the 9mm MAB PA15 Pistol adopted in 1966. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsed condition these have their original desert finish, each holster has a spare magazine pouch and suspension fittings for a lower hang from the waist belt and has a reinforced leg thong hole. A super find in great condition, an Authentic military holster that accepts so many different 9mm pistols used by the French Foreign Legion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll show long storage wear so a very good cleaning is required!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":26170419781,"sku":"XF1050","price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/xf1050__1.jpg?v=1628390012"},{"product_id":"original-french-louis-xiv-flintlock-turnover-over-under-pistols-by-mayer-of-lyon","title":"Original French Louis XIV Flintlock Turnover Over-Under Pistols by Mayer of Lyon","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Items: One-of-a-kind set. These are extraordinary pistols, made by \u003cstrong\u003eMayer of Lyon\u003c\/strong\u003e circa \u003cstrong\u003e1645\u003c\/strong\u003e one of France's premier gun makers in those very early years of the reign of\u003cstrong\u003e Louis XIV\u003c\/strong\u003e (1643 -1715).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e26\" in overall length with 18.5\" barrels; these are elegant, beautifully figured stocks, with Ebony butt caps inlaid with ivory buttons. The trigger guards are steel as are the heavily carved differing side plates showing sea monsters and mythical creatures. The locks, heavily engraved, with battle scenes have intricately pierced hammers showing mounted bare breasted Amazon women in combat with exotic creatures. The revolving over and under barrels each have their own frizzen assembly engraved with floral motifs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA true sign of superb craftsmanship is that that the carving and engraving on the two pistols are not identical but compliment each other. Each pistol is elegant artistic statement in it’s own right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the pistols are at half cock, the trigger guards can be depressed allowing the barrels to freely rotate bringing the second barrel into the firing position. A  favorite with Cavalry officers, this pair of pistols allowed four shots before reloading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDating from a period of great historical importance, these pistols witnessed the reign of the French \"Sun King\" who built the Palace of Versailles and sat on France's throne until 1715.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":26172795141,"sku":"ON2236","price":99995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ON2236__1A.jpg?v=1764335189"},{"product_id":"original-italian-wwi-bangalore-torpedo-explosive-tube-for-clearing-obstacles-1","title":"Original Italian WWI Bangalore Torpedo Explosive Tube for Clearing Obstacles","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. A Bangalore torpedo is an explosive charge placed within one or several connected tubes. It is used by combat engineers to clear obstacles that would otherwise require them to approach directly, possibly under fire. It is sometimes colloquially referred to as a \"Bangalore mine\", \"banger\" or simply \"Bangalore\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bangalore torpedo was first devised by Captain R. L. McClintock, of the Royal Engineers while attached to the Madras Sappers and Miners unit of the Indian Army at Bangalore, India, in 1912. He invented it as a means of blowing up booby traps and barricades left over from the Second Boer War and the Russo-Japanese War. The Bangalore torpedo could be exploded over a mine without a sapper having to approach closer than about 3 m (10 ft).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe design quickly spread worldwide to Pioneer troops as a very effective way for clearing obstacles, whether they be mines, barbed wire, or other installed field obstacles. This example is a version used by Italy during the WWI period, and measures about 15 1\/2 inches in length, not including the end plug\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe construction is relatively simple, as it is pretty much a steel pipe with wooden end plugs, one of which still remains. Originally blued steel, it still shows the original drawing extrusion markings, and has only some light surface rust in a few areas, as shown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very hard to find an interesting WWI Italian \"Bangalore Torpedo\", ready to add to your inert ordnance collection!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31867615838277,"sku":"ONSV7396","price":275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV7396__01.jpg?v=1600981119"},{"product_id":"original-early-20th-century-french-navy-brass-handle-divers-knife-with-scabbard-rare","title":"Original Early 20th Century French Navy Brass Handle Diver's Knife with Scabbard - RARE","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: One of a Kind. This is a rare example of an early 20th Century French Navy Diver's Knife, complete with the original brass scabbard. We have consulted many historical photographs, and the style of the handle and the type of securing nut on the end of the pommel definitely match the French style. They are similar to those used by Germany, however the shape of the handle and scabbard are different from the more angular German design. Originals are almost never seen on the market, as most were lost long ago during a dive or melted down for the brass. This example is completely correct and genuine, with a lovely aged patina on the exterior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is very good, and the blade does not appear to have been sharpened, or used much, though it unfortunately has stained and oxidized over the years. The original factory final grind marks can still be seen between the rust stains. The sealing washer for the scabbard is missing. The bottom of the scabbard is rounded, correct for French diver's knives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe only example we've ever had, ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 7 1\/4”\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Single Edged with Spear Point\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 12 1\/8”\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 1 1\/2”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard length: 8 1\/2\"\u003cbr\u003eLength in Scabbard: 13\" \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39727814213701,"sku":"ONSV21NBU35","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV21NBU35__03.jpg?v=1642000164"},{"product_id":"original-french-pre-wwii-tc-38-civil-defense-gas-mask-with-a-r-s-canister-civilian-variant-of-the-anp-t-31","title":"Original French Pre-WWII TC-38 Civil Defense Gas Mask With A.R.S. Canister - Civilian Variant of the ANP T-31","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. At the end of World War I, the high number of civilian casualties highlighted the need to upgrade the protection of people during conflicts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1933, the first voluntary organization to protect civilians during war time was founded with the support of Gaston Doumergue, a French politician of the Third Republic. In 1938, at the dawn of World War II, the French government developed civil defense (défense passive) policies. Their goal was to build blast shelters and warning networks to keep people safe from airstrikes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the war, the défense passive missions became more and more related to non military threats like natural disasters. In 1951, a national service for civil protection in the ministry of the Interior was established. This government agency then became the French Sécurité Civile in 1975.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, this nationalization did not hamper volunteering which developed through local civil protection societies from 1958.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis TC-38 is similar in construction and appearance to the WWI Appareil Respiratoire Spécial ARS and the WWII Appareil Normal de Protection Type-31 ANP T-31. This variant was issued to civil defense troops. The facepiece of this variant is the same as the regular T-31, the difference comes with the kit, which does not include a hose, uses only the smaller filter and is transported in a can. Some were issued with a special 'sniffing device' that could be used to detect gasses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe face is nearly the same as that on the ARS and is made of rubberized fabric. A large part of the faceblank between the eyes is made of thin rubber, instead, and is stitched onto the rest of the face. The peripheral seal consists of rubber cement. In fact, anywhere there is stitching, there is a coat of rubber cement. The head harness, a seven-point design, is also nearly identical to that on the ARS. This mask features a ring-and-hook nape strap, the hook for which is attached to the face with little pieces of twine. Also attached to the face is a sling for carrying the mask on the neck in case of a gas alert.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe eyepieces are crimped onto the clothless-rubber strip using a metal frame. The frames are painted a dark brown to match the color of the rubber cement. The valve assembly, also painted a dark brown with a layer of rubber cement along the rim, has a long angle tube which is angled downwards and connects to the filter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mask is in a lovely service worn condition with all components on the mask appearing to be complete. The only real “damage” would be the attached filter which does have some deterioration present. The stampings are still clear on the outside of the mask which identifies it as a \u003cstrong\u003eTC-38\u003c\/strong\u003e with a date of \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember 1935\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe canister retains almost all of the original dark brown paint, but there is some minor chipping present. There are no carry straps present on the canister but there is however the spare lens in the envelope attached to the cardboard disk at the bottom of the can.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a lovely example of a TC-38 mask which is becoming increasingly difficult to find, especially one with solid stampings and a rare A.R.S. canister!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComes more than ready for further research and display!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40151258398789,"sku":"ONSV22WOS67","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV22WOS67__06.jpg?v=1655902626"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwi-french-belgian-relations-allied-victory-german-shell-casing-trench-art-honneur-a-la-vaillante-belgique","title":"Original French WWI French Belgian Relations Allied Victory German Shell Casing Trench Art - Honneur A La Vaillante Belgique","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. In occupied Belgium and France, citizens opposed the German army with organized but non-violent resistance. They created networks dedicated to military intelligence gathering, escape lines, clandestine postal networks and underground newspapers. Many of the networks were dismantled by the German secret police but those executed for their resistance became national heroes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 1917 German shell casing has a base diameter of approximately 5” with the top measuring 4” and stands at 19 ⅞” tall. The front of the casing displays lovely carvings in French which reads as follows:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHonneur A La Vaillante Belgique\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Honor to the Valiant Belgium\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVictoire\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDes Allies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1918\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Victory\u003cbr\u003eOf the Allies\u003cbr\u003e1918\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther artwork includes the crossed flags of Istres and Belgium. The Flag of Istres is all blue with a yellow star in the center. Istres is a commune in southern France. It is in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region, in the Bouches-du-Rhone department. Below the crossed flags is a photo of Philippe Pétain a French General who attained the position of Marshal of France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe condition is excellent but the photograph is rather faded and difficult to see. Comes more than ready for further research and display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40386365653061,"sku":"ONSV22MAX200","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV22MAX200__01.jpg?v=1665772775"},{"product_id":"original-cold-war-french-hotchkiss-type-universal-display-submachine-gun-with-magazine-serial-2081","title":"Original Cold War French Hotchkiss Type Universal Display Submachine Gun with Magazine - Serial 2081","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. Well this is certainly something that we have not had before, and expect most likely to not have again! This is a fantastic French Hotchkiss \"Type Universal\" Display Submachine gun, complete with the original magazine, which still retains much of it's ability to collapse into a very small form factor! It is built on a BATF approved steel display receiver, which has had the bolt welded in place inside, and has 2 inches entirely replaced by solid steel bar stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hotchkiss \"type Universal\" is a submachine gun manufactured in France after World War II. It was originally designed as a semi-automatic police carbine but a full automatic version was made. It fires from a closed bolt. Its most unique feature however is that it folds up into a very compact package and unfolds easily and relatively quickly. The semi-automatic version was exported in very limited numbers to many countries. Many were also exported to Venezuela and Morocco.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the post war years, France was looking to develop a compact submachine gun along the lines of the British Sten, U.S. M3 \"Grease Gun\", and German MP 40, with the eventual result being the MAT-49. This features a somewhat unique magazine well that folds towards the front, as well as a rear wire stock that could be slid forward, with the result being a very compact form factor when stowed. This was highly advantageous for both paratrooper \/ commando type operations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring this period, there were of course trials involving examples and ideas from several sources, and it is believed that famous Hotchkiss et Cie submitted the \"Type Universal\" submachine gun during this trial. Originally designed as a semi-automatic police carbine firing from a closed bolt, a selective fire example was developed for the trials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn terms of the ability to be collapse down to a smaller size, it definitely out performed the MAT-49 by how much it reduces in size. In addition to the magazine folding forward like in the MAT-49, the barrel assembly pushes back the bolt and retracts into the receiver, reducing length by about 4 inches. The butt stock and pistol grip also fold forward and surround the magazine, which itself slides backwards under the receiver after it is folded forward. As a gun designed to be easily transportable in a back pack, it certainly excelled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnfortunately, accomplishing this took a lot of precision machined and stamped parts, which made the \"Type Universal\" too expensive to really be commercially viable when compared to the much less expensive alternatives. They were only made in small numbers, and appear to mostly have been send to areas such as French Indochina, Venezuela, and Morocco.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very nice example, made from an original parts set assembled onto a BATF-approved steel dummy receiver. It still retains much of the original collapsible functionality, with the magazine well and butt stock folding forward under the trigger group. Due to changes required by making the display gun, the barrel has been deactivated, and can no longer be retracted into the receiver assembly. The butt stock folds forward and around the magazine, but it does not clip on to the bottom of the magazine well fitting as it originally did. The magazine also cannot lock into place with the magazine well in the vertical position due to clearance issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, the selector still moves, the trigger still pulls, and it really does look great! The right side of the receiver is marked with \u003cstrong\u003eC M H No. 2081\u003c\/strong\u003e, and the selector switch still moves correctly as well!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very nice example of a very rare folding Submachine gun, ready to add to your collection and display!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40539762491461,"sku":"ONJR23SS081","price":2895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR23SS081__1A.jpg?v=1764277590"},{"product_id":"original-france-wwi-french-foreign-legion-sahara-bandolier-unissued","title":"Original France WWI French Foreign Legion Sahara Bandolier - Unissued","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a wonderful bandolier as worn by French Foreign Legion troops before and during WWI. This set of Brown Leather equipment was issued mostly for French Colonial use by the \"Foreign Legion\" beginning in the 1880s. The Waist Belt, which is unfortunately no longer present, would buckle around the wearer's back, had 4 lidded compartments with brass studs on each side designed to carry stripper clips containing 8mm lebel Rifle Ammunition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Bandoleer, worn in a \"V\" design from the small of the back over the shoulders to the navel where it secures to the waist belt has five more lidded compartments for further 8 mm Ammunition storage. The bayonet frog and buckle attachment secure the \"Epee\" bayonet in place. Used both with the 8mm 1886 Lebel magazine Rifles and the 8mm Mannlicher Berthier Rifles throughout the First World War and second world wars. The condition is close to excellent with the only wear appearing to be from storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the ultimate French leather Set; Remember Gary Cooper in \"Beau Geste\"?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComes more than ready for further research and display.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40540860121157,"sku":"ONJR23SS038","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONJR23SS038__08.jpg?v=1685123004"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwii-era-vichy-legion-francaise-des-combattants-lfc-grouping-with-free-france-flag-and-harki-flag-patch-3-items","title":"Original French WWII Era Vichy Legion Francaise des Combattants LFC Grouping With Free France Flag and Harki Flag Patch - 3 Items","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Items: Only One Lot Available. Vichy France, officially the French State, was the French rump state headed by Marshal Philippe Pétain during World War II. It was named after its seat of government, the city of Vichy. Officially independent, but with half of its territory occupied under the harsh terms of the 1940 armistice with NSDAP Germany, it adopted a policy of collaboration. Though Paris was nominally its capital, the government established itself in the resort town of Vichy in the unoccupied \"free zone\" (zone libre), where it remained responsible for the civil administration of France as well as its colonies. The occupation of France by NSDAP Germany at first affected only the northern and western portions of the country, but in November 1942 the Germans and Italians occupied the remainder of Metropolitan France, ending any pretense of independence by the Vichy government.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Items In This Lot: \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- Légion Française des Combattants LFC Beret With Patch:\u003c\/strong\u003e The French Legion of Veterans (French: Légion française des combattants, or LFC) was an organization established consolidate pre-war associations of war veterans in Vichy France and Vichy's colonial territories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe beret does show wear to both the beret and the patch but is otherwise presented in good condition. The patch is and embroidered example which was hand sewn onto the beret itself. There are no markings visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- 19” x 16” Free France Flag:\u003c\/strong\u003e Free France was a political entity that claimed to be the legitimate government of France following the dissolution of the Third Republic. Led by French general Charles de Gaulle, Free France was established as a government-in-exile in London in June 1940 after the Fall of France during World War II and fought the Axis as an Allied nation with its Free French Forces. Free France also supported the resistance in NSDAP-occupied France, known as the French Forces of the Interior, and gained strategic footholds in several French colonies in Africa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flag measures approximately 19” x 16” and is of a 3 piece construction. The flag, although now faded, is identical to the flag of France with the only difference being the use of the Cross of Lorraine hand drawn in the center.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- Post War 3” x 3 ½” Harki Flag Patch:\u003c\/strong\u003e The patch is in wonderful condition and is embroidered. The flag appears as the flag of France with Fatima’s hand (Hamsa) in the center. The hamsa is a palm-shaped amulet popular throughout North Africa and in the Middle East and commonly used in jewelry and wall hangings. Depicting the open right hand, an image recognized and used as a sign of protection in many times throughout history, the hamsa has been traditionally believed to provide defense against the evil eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarki is the generic term for native Muslim Algerians who served as auxiliaries in the French Army during the Algerian War from 1954 to 1962. The word sometimes applies to all Algerian Muslims (thus including civilians) who supported French Algeria during the war. The motives for enlisting were mixed. They are regarded as traitors in independent Algeria and thousands were killed after the war in reprisals despite the Évian Accords ceasefire and amnesty stipulations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll items are in wonderful condition and come more than ready for further research and display. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40638540709957,"sku":"ONSV23TMS187","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV23TMS187__1A.jpg?v=1701738023"},{"product_id":"napoleonic-first-french-empire-model-1810-11th-cuirassier-regiment-helmet-battle-of-waterloo-1815","title":"Napoleonic First French Empire Model 1810 11th Cuirassier Regiment Helmet - Battle of Waterloo 1815","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew Made Item: Top Quality Replica. A beautiful full size accurate reproduction of this amazingly decorative Modèle 1810 Cavalry Helmet dating from the time of Napoleon, also known as the French \"First Empire\" period. In a wearable head size of up to approximately 7 1\/2, these are constructed with steel helmet bowls overlaid with a pony skin band (simulating the original 19th century seal skin). The liner is leather and fabric, and can be adjusted for \"depth\", but material can also be placed behind it to fit a smaller head.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt features a magnificent embossed brass crest bearing Medusa's head to the front, with a horsehair tail on the top, and a front flaming bomb topped with black horsehair. It also comes with a long red feather hackle plume, denoting heavy cavalry. The front has full leather backed brass chin scales attached.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe front of the crest bears the number 11 on an embossed cuirass design, for the \u003cem\u003e11e Regiment de Cuirassiers\u003c\/em\u003e. This regiment has a long lineage, original created in 166t from the Regiment de Montclair, which had existed between the years 1652 and 1661. In 1668, the Regiment became Royal-Roussillon and in 1791 the \u003cem\u003e11e Regiment de Cavalerie\u003c\/em\u003e. Finally in 1803 the 11e Regiment de Cuirassiers. This regiment was present at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 under \u003cem\u003eCol. Eleonore-Ambroise Courtier\u003c\/em\u003e, fielding 332 men. They were made part of the 2nd Brigade of the 11th Cavalry Regiment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdjustable full leather liner to the interior make this a ready to wear Military Trophy for your display!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Made Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40669397123141,"sku":"AHM2032","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/AHM2032__04.jpg?v=1697222496"},{"product_id":"napoleonic-first-french-empire-carabinier-officer-helmet-battle-of-waterloo-1815","title":"Napoleonic First French Empire Carabinier Officer Helmet - Battle of Waterloo 1815","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew Made Item: Top Quality Replica. It was by a decree dated 24 December 1809 that Napoleon I decided to provide cuirasses for the two regiments of Carabiniers. These were elite heavy cavalry regiments, dating from pre-1789, very similar to the British Dragoon Guards. They were the best, and took pride in their station and appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Carabinier in the first Imperial campaigns in blue capes and bearskin busbies. These busbies were symbolic of the two regiments’ elite status but they were not very practical as they frequently fell off during combat, lacking as they did chinstraps, thereby exposing their owners to serious head injuries. The particular violence of the Austrian Campaign persuaded Napoleon that his Caribiniers needed helmets and cuirasses, which they wore for the campaigns during 1812-1815.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth the 1er Régiment de Carabiniers and 2e Régiment de Carabiniers took part in the Battle of Waterloo as part of the 1st Brigade of the 12th Cavalry Division. They fielded a total of 847 soldiers in total under Colonels Rogé and Beugnat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet is “Greek-style”, and offered in a wearable head size of up to approximately 7 1\/2. The domed part (or “bombe” in French) of the helmet is made from brass, ending in a nape cover (“couvre-nuque” in French). The crest (“cimier” in French) is made of brass stamped with palmettes, the whole topped with a scarlet horsehair plume. The front part of the helmet is decorated with a triangular silvered metal plate bearing an imperial crowned letter “N”, and on either side of this there is an embossed palm decoration. The front has full leather backed brass chin scales attached, held in place by starbursts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdjustable full leather liner to the interior make this a ready to wear Military Trophy for your display!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Made Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40669400662085,"sku":"AHM2011","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/AHM2011__03.jpg?v=1697218234"},{"product_id":"original-french-pre-wwii-armee-de-lair-air-force-casque-insolaire-tropical-sun-helmet","title":"Original French Pre-WWII Armée de l'Air Air Force Casque Insolaire Tropical Sun Helmet","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of a seldom encountered Pre War French sun helmet, also known as the Casque Insolaire which translates loosely to Sun Helmet (“Solar Helmet”). The pith helmet, also known as the safari helmet, salacot, sola topee, sun helmet, topee, and topi is a lightweight cloth-covered helmet made of sholapith. The pith helmet originates from the Spanish military adaptation of the native salakot headgear of the Philippines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was often worn by European travelers and explorers in the varying climates found in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the tropics, but it was also used in many other contexts. It was routinely issued to European military personnel serving overseas in hot climates from the mid-nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is in wonderful, complete condition with some great staining on the exterior. The staining\/fading that is present indicates that this helmet was most likely worn in a dry, hot climate with a bit of dirt. All of this was most likely due to a clash against Anti-Government elements in French Morocco which involved air elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet is a wonderful example and comes more than ready for further research and display. \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40969879715909,"sku":"ONJR24MJAN07","price":425.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR24MJAN07__07.jpg?v=1712956339"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwi-armee-de-lair-air-force-roold-aviation-crash-helmet-with-correct-ear-pieces-casque-d-aviateur","title":"Original French WWI Armée de l'Air Air Force Roold Aviation Crash Helmet With Correct Ear Pieces - Casque d’Aviateur","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. Now this is an incredibly rare offering we have to bring to the table! This is an intact and complete example of the legendary French “Roold” Aviation Crash Helmet. It has the correct ear pieces on the sides but unfortunately no label. It does not get better than this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the late 1900s France was the leader in most things aviation, as witnessed by words such as ‘aileron’, ‘fuselage’, ‘pitot’ etc. In the US the Wright Brothers’ fierce enforcement of their patents had stifled developments; elsewhere things were half hearted and usually pursued by a few private individuals. This meant that the most up-to-date aircraft, equipment and aviation clothing tended to be French in the fledgling ‘Blériot’ years ~1909 to WWI.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1910 ‘Roold’, a Paris department store, commissioned the inventor M. F. Gouttes’ design of a moderately complex aviation crash helmet. This led to the famous pre-and early WWI Roold Helmet – ‘Casque pour Aviateurs ROOLD’, or ‘Casque d’Aviateur’. It was adopted by the French military in 1911 and later by several other nations; it was also copied by many companies in several countries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat the Roold Helmet was indeed based on colonial sun helmets is alluded to in its description in a Roold 1911 information and advertising pamphlet; – ‘The Roold helmet, which is similar in shape to that of a colonial helmet, consists of two overlapping cork and gutta-percha caps, leaving a free space between them’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe overall condition of the helmet is quite worn. The leather is very well broken in with the expected cracking in the finish. The sweatband and the insulated lining are worn with tearing present as well as material loss with loose stitching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lovely helmet that comes more than ready for further research and display.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41016109760581,"sku":"ONJR24FAV016","price":1695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR24FAV016__1AA.jpg?v=1707509923"},{"product_id":"original-france-wwi-uniform-and-field-gear-lot-featuring-american-field-service-worn-horizon-blue-overseas-cap-6-items","title":"Original France WWI Uniform and Field Gear Lot Featuring American Field Service Worn Horizon Blue Overseas Cap - 6 Items","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Items: Only One Lot of 6 Available. This is a lovely starter set, perfect for the collector who is just coming into the hobby. During World War I, France was one of the Triple Entente powers allied against the Central Powers. Although fighting occurred worldwide, the bulk of the French Army's operations occurred in Belgium, Luxembourg, France and Alsace-Lorraine along what came to be known as the Western Front, which consisted mainly of trench warfare. Specific operational, tactical, and strategic decisions by the high command on both sides of the conflict led to shifts in organizational capacity, as the French Army tried to respond to day-to-day fighting and long-term strategic and operational agendas. In particular, many problems caused the French high command to re-evaluate standard procedures, revise its command structures, re-equip the army, and to develop different tactical approaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe items in this lot:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- Model 1903\/14 Leather Belt: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe regulation of 9 December 1914, which redefined the uniforms of the French army on a whole, adopted that from then on, all French leather gear would no longer be blackened but would be left in its natural tan color called ‘fauve’. Additionally, all leather items were now made with the smooth grain side facing out. The first M1903\/14s were distributed to new recruits and returning wounded before joining their front-line units beginning in the spring of 1915. Gradually the new belts were distributed to all front-line troops, replacing the black leather items. The width of the M1903\/14 belt remained unchanged from its predecessor at 55 mm, and likewise came in three lengths: 110, 115 and 125 cm. Per regulations, the number of holes remained the same: 11 pairs of holes (22 in total). The buckle assembly also remained the same as the 1903, a brass two-pronged roller buckle, with the exception that the buckle frame now had rounded corners. As a matter of economy, later versions of the M1903\/14 were made with japanned (black lacquered) buckle assemblies as well, though it is believed this version was widely distributed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo economize material and labor, war-time versions of the M1903 and M1903\/14 belts began to appear in the fall of 1914 and would remain in use throughout the war. Primarily these can be identified by the use of rivets (brass or japanned iron) in combination with or in complete replacement of stitching. Single-prong buckles were also made in lesser quantities, both in brass and japanned iron.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- le Caleçon (Underdrawers) Dated 1917: \u003c\/strong\u003eCotton, either pin-striped or plain white like these. Each man was only issued one pair, though private purchases could be made. The prevailing notion was that the shirt, with its long tails, acted as the primary undergarment and was to be washed more frequently. In cold weather, flannel cotton underdrawers were issued.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ela Musette (Haversack) Model 1892: \u003c\/strong\u003eHeavy cotton canvas; Issued in various materials, sizes and shades of natural and cachou. Two buttons made of tin, commonly stamped \"Equipement Militaire.\" Alternatively, they could be plain metal with no stamping. Carrying strap is 3 cm in width. Strap buckle made of iron. Carried bread and daily rations, personal effects, toiletries, and (when on the assault) grenades. Each soldier carried at least two.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 Gas Mask Storage Tin Painted Horizon Blue:\u003c\/strong\u003e This is a storage tin for the M2 Gas Mask. The M2 gas mask was a French-made gas mask used by French, British and American forces from April 1916 to August 1918 during World War I. The M2 was fabricated in large quantities, with about 29,300,000 being made during the war. It was intended to protect the wearer from at least five hours' exposure to phosgene gas, a common chemical weapon of the time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe tin is in great condition with a solid shape and appears to be complete.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e- x2 Horizon Blue Overseas Caps: \u003c\/strong\u003eBoth are in solid condition but do have areas of heavy mothing scattered throughout. One of the caps is interesting as it bears a Philadelphia based maker mark. While the United States did not produce items for the French Army during the war, many American Field Service AFS volunteers often had to purchase their own uniform items before departure, this is a great example of such. AFS was born in World War I as a volunteer ambulance and medical corps supporting the Allied war effort.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fantastic assortment of items that comes more than ready for further research and display. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41589760294981,"sku":"ONJR23NCA157","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR23NCA157__01.jpg?v=1715787159"},{"product_id":"original-italian-wwi-1920s-general-s-dress-parade-adrian-helmet-with-plume","title":"Original Italian WWI \/ 1920s General’s Dress Parade Adrian Helmet with Plume","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is a tremendous General’s Dress parade Adrian helmet for use by an Italian General either directly after the war or into the 1920s. The helmet has a gilt General’s eagle painted on the front with a plume holder with the Kingdom of Italy Crest inside. The plume is white with two black \u0026amp; tan knots. The helmet has a parade liner and chinstrap, which are in great shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet is painted in the Italian green paint seen on most Lippmann Adrian helmets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe front is painted with the Italian General’s eagle stencil. The helmet itself is much lighter than a normal Adrian helmet, likely specially made to be a General’s dress parade helmet. The liner is black and not meant for combat wear, and the chinstrap is much thinner and is painted canvas with a small buckle. It sits on the brim as do most Adrian chinstraps. The helmet measures roughly a Size 7¼.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is one of the scarcest Adrian helmets we have offered, and will look amazing in any WWI Collection. Comes ready for further research and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Adrian helmet was an influential design of combat helmet originally produced for the French Army during World War I. Its original version, the M15, 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 World War II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the outbreak of World War I in August 1914 soldiers in the French Army wore the standard kepi cap, which provided no protection against injury. The early stages of trench warfare proved that even basic protection of the head would result in a significantly lower mortality rate among front-line soldiers. By the beginning of 1915 a rudimentary steel skull-cap (calotte métallique, cervelière) was being issued to be worn under the kepi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsequently, the French staff ordered development of a metal helmet that could protect soldiers from the shrapnel of exploding artillery shells. Since soldiers in trenches were also vulnerable to shrapnel exploding above their heads, a deflector crest was added along the helmet's axis. Branch insignia in the form of a grenade for line infantry and cavalry, a bugle horn for chasseurs, crossed cannon for artillery, an anchor for colonial troops and a crescent for North African units was attached to the front. Contrary to common misconception, the M15 helmet was not designed to protect the wearer from direct impact by rifle or machine gun bullets. The resulting headgear was credited to Intendant-General Louis Auguste Adrian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet adopted by the army was made of mild steel and weighed only 0.765 kg (1 lb 11.0 oz)), which made it lighter and less protective than the contemporary British Brodie helmet and the German Stahlhelm. Orders were placed for the helmets in the spring of 1915, which started being issued by July. By September, all frontline troops in France were issued with the helmet. The helmet was surprisingly complex to produce with seventy stages involved in its production, not including those required to prepare the metal. The slot for the badges and the distinctive crest took additional time to manufacture, while also adding a hundred grams of weight. However, the helmet was deliberately designed this way to evoke the artistic style of the highly popular military artist Édouard Detaille, which helped raise the morale of the troops. Indeed French troops identified quite closely with their helmets. The helmet's light weight was also better suited to France's emphasis on mobility and was easier for soldiers to wear for extended periods. In addition to the helmet, a set of armored \"epaulets\" were also developed by Adrian and issued to defend against shrapnel and air-dropped darts, although they were not in common use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom late 1915, a cloth cover for the helmet was issued, in khaki or light blue, to prevent reflection. However, it was found that if the helmet was pierced by shell splinters, pieces of dirty cloth were carried into the wound, which increased the risk of infection. Consequently, in mid-1916 an order was issued that the covers should be discarded. By the end of World War I, the Adrian had been issued to almost all infantry units fighting with the French Army. It was also used by some of the American divisions fighting in France, including the African-American 369th Infantry Regiment, commonly known as the Harlem Hellfighters, and the Polish forces of Haller's Blue Army. The French Gendarmerie mobile adopted a dark blue version in 1926, and continued to wear it into the 1960s, well after the regular army had discarded it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn December 1915, Winston Churchill (later to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940–1945), while serving as a major with the British Army's Grenadier Guards, was presented with an Adrian helmet by the French General Émile Fayolle. He is seen wearing it in photographs and in a portrait painted by Sir John Lavery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet proved to be fairly effective against shrapnel and it was cheap and easy to manufacture. As a consequence, more than twenty million Adrian helmets were produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey were widely adopted by other countries including Belgium, Brazil, China, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Italy (including license-built versions), Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Siam, United States, U.S.S.R., and Yugoslavia, each of these states adding its own insignia to the front of the helmet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, because the new steel helmets offered little protection against actual bullets, they were reportedly often among the first pieces of equipment to be abandoned by soldiers on the battlefield. It was also discovered that the badge placed on the front of helmets impaired the strength of the helmet because of the two slots required. This perceived weakness made several armies remove their national insignia altogether. Early helmets were painted \"horizon-blue\" (light blue-grey) for French troops and khaki for colonial forces. Those made after 1935 are usually painted khaki, reflecting the French army movement to a more camouflaged uniform in the 1930's.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1926 the Adrian helmet was modified by being constructed of stronger steel and simplified by having the main part of the helmet stamped from one piece of metal, and therefore without the joining rim around the helmet that characterizes the M15. The large ventilation hole under the comb, which had been a weak point of the old design, was also replaced with a series of small holes. The M26 helmet continued in use with the French Army until after World War II, and was also used by the French police up to the 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the interwar period Belgium began to produce their own domestically made M26 Adrians and exported them around the globe. These helmets can be distinguished from their French counterparts, because they have a slightly different comb and a wider rim. In other countries the Adrian-type helmets were also in use with the fire-fighting units, railway guards or marine infantry (e.g. Japan's SNLF). Adrian helmets are still prized by collectors today. In 1940, Mexico began to produce M26 helmets locally after shipments from France stopped due to the German occupation. A crestless version was produced in small numbers as well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41867082072133,"sku":"ONJR24MILJ003","price":795.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR24MILJ003__01.jpg?v=1726261951"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwii-french-serving-royal-air-force-bullion-insignia-pilot-s-wings-with-ffi-pins","title":"Original French WWII French Serving Royal Air Force Bullion Insignia \u0026 Pilot’s Wings with FFI Pins","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. FFI or French Forces of the Interior (French: Forces Françaises de l'Intérieur) refers to French resistance fighters in the later stages of World War II. Charles de Gaulle used it as a formal name for the resistance fighters. The change in designation of these groups to FFI occurred as France's status changed from that of an occupied nation to one of a nation being liberated by the Allied armies. As regions of France were liberated, the FFI were more formally organized into light infantry units and served as a valuable manpower addition to regular Free French forces. In this role, the FFI units manned less active areas of the front lines, allowing regular French army units to practice economy of force measures and mass their troops in decisive areas of the front. Finally, from October 1944 and with the greater part of France liberated, the FFI units were amalgamated into the French regular forces continuing the fight on the Western Front, thus ending the era of the French irregulars in World War II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a great lot of insignia to a Free French pilot serving with the Royal Air Force during World War II. They include a gorgeous set of bullion FFI Pilot wings with the Cross of Lorraine in the center on a black felt backing, and a bullion \u003cstrong\u003eFRANCE \u003c\/strong\u003einsignia on a black felt backing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso included are three small pins, the first being a plain brass Cross of Lorraine, the second being the FFI Insignia on the French flag, and the third being French wings with \u003cstrong\u003eFRANCE LIBRE\u003c\/strong\u003e at the top.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a really phenomenal set of incredibly scarce insignia, ready for further research and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42171736424517,"sku":"ONJR24NM039","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR24NM039__01.jpg?v=1732308632"},{"product_id":"original-french-pre-wwi-clarion-bugle-with-original-cords-by-jerome-thibouville-lamy-circa-1880-1910","title":"Original French Pre-WWI Clarion Bugle With Original Cords by Jérôme Thibouville-Lamy - Circa 1880-1910","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of a \"Clarion Bugle\", which is a larger bugle, usually pitched in C. These are quite impressive. Almost certainly a Veteran's Bring Back, this measures 20\" overall with the bell of the horn being 5 3\/4\" across.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bugle still retains its full leather wrap, cord wrap, and two hanging knots which originally were in the French Red, White and Blue National colors, which have now somewhat faded. In addition part of the horn has a solid red wrap which we have concluded is a RED part of the French Flag, cut for this purpose. There is some heavy denting as shown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bell is nicely marked with the Maker's name:-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJérôme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThibouville-Lamy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e68bis Rue Reaumur\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eParis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA.F.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eR.P.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJérôme Thibouville-Lamy \u0026amp; Cie, abbreviated as \"J.T.L.\", was a French musical instrument making company, formed in the mid 19th century from the merger of pre-existing makers. It was based in Mirecourt, France, and was active producing large numbers of woodwind, brass and stringed instruments until the mid 20th century. The company also made large numbers of mechanical organs and organettes between 1880 and 1910. Some of these models were made with license of the Gavioli company.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mouthpiece is not very tight to the bugle but still displays well. A great example, ready for further research and display.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42209749696581,"sku":"ONCD1078","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONCD1078__02.jpg?v=1743006972"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwi-named-aerial-observer-armee-de-lair-french-air-service-commandant-officer-s-uniform-set-with-tunic-trousers-sam-browne-belt-and-kepi-with-squadron-insignia-escadrille-115","title":"Original French WWI Named Aerial Observer Armée de l'Air French Air Service Commandant Officer’s Uniform Set With Tunic, Trousers, Sam Browne Belt and Kepi With Squadron Insignia - Escadrille 115","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Items: Only One Set Available. At the start of the First World War, France led the world in aircraft design and by mid-1912 the Aéronautique Militaire had five squadrons (\"escadrilles\"). This had grown to 132 machines and 21 escadrilles by 1914, the same year when, on 21 February, it formally received a budget under the Ministry of War. On 3 August, Germany declared war against France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow this is an absolutely stunning uniform set. This was the standard issue for a WWI French Observer. Horizon blue French Air Service service coat, single breasted with all 7 brass buttons down front. The collar tabs feature beautiful gold bullion on black felt “winged star” insignia with the color retained very well. The right side of the uniform features a lovely “B” hallmarked Aerial Observer’s Wings Badge with the colors retained very well. The badge was issued in the final years of the war, while the “B” hallmarked badges were used up into 1925. The badge is serialized with the number 1983 indicating that it dates between 1916 to 1917. These badges in their own standpoint are very rare. The belt featured on the tunic is in wonderful condition and rests on the integrated belt hooks on the tunic quite nicely. The interior of the tunic is in good service-worn shape, showing some rips in the lining which is to be expected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe uniform bears ribbons on the left breast for the Legion of Honour and the Croix de Guerre with Bronze Star. Below these is a great French squadron pin depicting a Cross of Lorraine over a flower, which we have found is often associated with Escadrille 115 as well as 314. This badge has been seen worn by a mechanic of CAP 115, from March 1918 until August 1919, but we are not entirely certain which squadron this observer would have been part of. There is also a very worn braided Fourragère cord on the left shoulder. The cuffs bear 4 gold stripes which indicate the rank of Commandant, the equivalent of a U.S. Major.The jacket is named on the interior via a tag to \u003cstrong\u003eC. Gaba\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a date that looks like 8 1918 for August 1918. The jacket was tailored by \u003cstrong\u003ePlasson \u003c\/strong\u003eof \u003cstrong\u003eBourges\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are two pairs of breeches with the uniform, one brown and one dark blue with two red stripes. They are both in good shape with minor moth nipping and pair very well with the uniform.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe kepi is a nice World War One era French Infantry Officer kepi in excellent condition. This is the lower height style kepi they first started using after phasing out the floppy or \"bummer\" type kepis. This style was only worn for a short time during WWI into the early 1920's. The number of bands around the cap would indicate the rank, which appears to be the same as is on the uniform, Commandant. The lining of the cap appears to be mostly gone, and a piece of cardboard has been inserted to keep its shape. It really ties the entire uniform set together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a truly incredible set that does not come up for sale often. Comes ready for further research and display.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Measurements:-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCollar to shoulder: 10.5\"\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to sleeve: 23”\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to shoulder: 15\"\u003cbr\u003eChest width: 18.5”\u003cbr\u003eWaist: 18\"\u003cbr\u003eHip: 20\"\u003cbr\u003eFront length: 32\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePants:-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWaist: 16.5\"\u003cbr\u003eInseam: 25.5\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWaist: 14\"\u003cbr\u003eInseam: 26\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42358226223173,"sku":"ONJR25FEAA065","price":2995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25FEAA065__01.jpg?v=1739383712"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwi-private-purchase-15th-artillery-officer-s-kepi-by-senet-of-poitiers","title":"Original French WWI Private Purchase 15th Artillery Officer’s Kepi by Senet of Poitiers","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely World War One French Artillery Officer’s kepi in excellent condition. This is the lower height style kepi they first started using after phasing out the floppy or \"bummer\" type kepis. This style was only worn for a short time during WWI into the early 1920's. From the construction of this example, it appears earlier and certainly WWI period. It has numerals on the front denoting the 15th Field Artillery.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe kepi is high quality in construction and retains markings on the interior crown for manufacture by Senet of Poitiers, a company we couldn’t find much information on. The false chinstrap is still intact, held in place by two artillery buttons. The crown is in great shape with just basic wear. The interior shows that the black oilcloth sweatband is well-retained, but the stitching is coming off in multiple spots. The black lining still looks great with some sweat-staining. The visor shows heavy crazing but the character is still great. The kepi is roughly a size 7.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA splendid WWI Artillery kepi, ready for further research and display.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42644061651013,"sku":"ONJR25MAMD057","price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25MAMD057__03.jpg?v=1744218440"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwi-framed-chasseurs-croix-de-guerre-certificates-medal-to-corporal-frederic-massot-triple-award-18-x-28","title":"Original French WWI Framed Chasseurs Croix de Guerre Certificates \u0026 Medal to Corporal Frederic Massot - Triple Award - 18½ x 28”","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a fantastic framed set, it is not often at all that we find a French Croix de Guerre with an original citation, but this is a great set of citations to a Corporal in the French Chasseurs who was awarded the medal three times! Corporal Frederic Massot, 9th Company, 52nd Battalion, Chasseurs Aplins. The chasseurs alpins (English: Alpine Hunters) are the elite mountain infantry force of the French Army. They are trained to operate in mountainous terrain and in urban warfare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left citation is type-written but is so heavily faded that it’s near impossible to read. This one is dated October 1918. The middle citation is dated August 1916 and is hard to translate, but we can make out that he acted graciously with great calmness and energy, constantly going ahead of his unit to scout. The final citation is for the 230th Infantry Regiment, dated February 1919, and is also named to Massot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe frame measures 18½ x 28”. This is a tremendous framed citation grouping, definitely worthy of further research! This is the first original French Croix de Guerre we’ve offered to a 3-time recipient. Comes ready to display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Croix de Guerre\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Croix de Guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was first awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts; the croix de guerre des théâtres d'opérations extérieures (\"cross of war for external theatres of operations\") was established in 1921 for these. The Croix de Guerre was also commonly bestowed on foreign military forces allied to France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Croix de Guerre may be awarded either as an individual award or as a unit award to those soldiers who distinguish themselves by acts of heroism involving combat with the enemy. The medal is awarded to those who have been \"mentioned in dispatches\", meaning a heroic deed or deeds were performed meriting a citation from an individual's headquarters unit. The unit award of the Croix de Guerre with palm was issued to military units whose members performed heroic deeds in combat and were subsequently recognized by headquarters.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42679506567237,"sku":"ONJR25MAIT10","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25MAIT10__01.jpg?v=1745262422"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwi-inert-fusil-mitrailleur-modele-1915-csrg-chauchat-demilitarized-relic-machine-gun-receiver-barrel","title":"Original French WWI Inert Fusil-Mitrailleur Modèle 1915 CSRG Chauchat Demilitarized Relic Machine Gun Receiver \u0026 Barrel","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is a lovely relic condition Inert \u003cem\u003eFusil-Mitrailleur Modèle 1915 CSRG Chauchat\u003c\/em\u003e Machine Gun Receiver \u0026amp; Barrel, which has properly been demilitarized to BATF specifications. The receiver has been angle cut with a flame torch in three locations, removing at least 1\/4\" of material with each cut. As such it is no longer legally considered a firearm per BATF guidelines, and is totally legal to own without any federal restrictions or license.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe relic is made up of the Chauchat’s receiver and barrel, and when all four pieces are together, it measures roughly 40” long. We were told it was dug up somewhere along the Western Front of France, but we can’t elaborate any further. This would look best mounted on the wall together, or one could weld the pieces back together if they wished. The rear \u0026amp; front sights are both still intact, although the rear sight no longer moves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lovely relic, the first Chauchat relic we’ve offered, ready for further research and display.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chauchat, named after its main contributor Colonel Louis Chauchat, was the standard machine rifle or light machine gun of the French Army during World War I (1914-18). Its official designation was \"Fusil Mitrailleur Modele 1915 CSRG\" (in English: \"Machine Rifle Model 1915 CSRG\"). It was mass manufactured during World War I by two reconverted civilian plants: \"Gladiator\" and \"Sidarme\". The term CSRG is made up of the initials of Chauchat, Sutter, Ribeyrolles and Gladiator, the respective designers and manufacturers of the completed form of the gun. Beginning in June 1916, it was placed into regular service with French infantry where the troops called it the FM Chauchat. The Chauchat machine rifle in 8mm Lebel was also extensively used in 1917-1918 by the American Expeditionary Forces (A.E.F) where it was officially designated as the \"Automatic Rifle, Model 1915 (Chauchat)\". The armies of eight other nations, notably: Belgium, Finland, Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania, Russia and Serbia, also used the Chauchat machine rifle in fairly large numbers during and after World War I.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA total of 262,000 Chauchat machine rifles were manufactured between December 1915 and November 1918, including 244,000 chambered for the 8mm Lebel service cartridge, making it the most widely-manufactured automatic weapon of World War I. Besides the 8mm Lebel version, the Chauchat machine rifle was also manufactured in U.S. .30-06 Springfield and in 7.65×53mm Argentine Mauser caliber to arm the American Expeditionary Forces (A.E.F.) and the Belgian Army respectively. The Belgian military did not experience difficulties with their Chauchats in 7.65mm Mauser and kept them in service into the early 1930s,. Conversely the Chauchat version in U.S. .30-06 made by \"Gladiator\" for the A.E.F., the Model 1918, proved to be fundamentally defective and had to be withdrawn from service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chauchat machine rifle was one of the first light, automatic rifle caliber weapons designed to be carried and fired by a single operator and an assistant, without a heavy tripod or a team of gunners. It set a precedent for several subsequent 20th century firearm projects, being a portable yet full power automatic weapon built inexpensively and in very large numbers. The Chauchat combined a pistol grip, an in-line stock, a detachable magazine, and a selective fire capability in a compact package of manageable weight (20 pounds) for a single soldier. Furthermore, it could be routinely fired from the hip and while walking (marching fire).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe muddy trenches of northern France exposed a number of weaknesses in the Chauchat's design. Construction had been simplified to facilitate mass production, resulting in low quality of many metal parts. The magazines in particular were the cause of about 75% of the stoppages or cessations of fire. They were made of thin metal and open on one side, allowing for ingress of mud and dust. The weapon also ceased to function when overheated, the barrel sleeve remaining in the retracted position until the gun had cooled off. The stock setup also left much to be desired, with the butt stock wood being prone to cracking at the front due to the design. Even the weight of the gun itself would slowly cause the thin front end to tear away. Consequently in September 1918, barely two months before the Armistice of November 11, the A.E.F. in France had already initiated the process of replacing the Chauchat with the M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle. Shortly after World War I, the French army hastened to replace the Chauchat with the new gas-operated Mle 1924 light machine gun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chauchat is the only full automatic weapon actuated by long recoil, a Browning designed system already applied in 1906 to the Remington Model 8 semi-automatic rifle: extraction and ejection of the empties takes place when the barrel returns forward, while the bolt is retained in the rear position. Over time, the Chauchat machine rifle's just passable performance in its dominant version (the Mle 1915 in 8mm Lebel) and the failure of its limited version in U.S. 30-06 (the Mle 1918), have led some modern experts to assess it as the \"worst machine gun\" ever fielded in the history of warfare.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaliber: 8x50R (also .30-06, 6.5x54, 7.92x57, 7.65x53)\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 9.5 kg\u003cbr\u003eLength: 1170 mm\u003cbr\u003eBarrel length: 450 mm\u003cbr\u003eFeed: curved box magazine, 20 rounds (16 rounds for .30-06)\u003cbr\u003eRate of fire: 240 rounds per minute\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42701986070597,"sku":"ONSV25LBM002","price":895.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV25LBM002A__01.jpg?v=1745881615"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwi-british-made-private-purchase-field-artillery-officer-captain-s-kepi-extremely-rare","title":"Original French WWI British-Made Private Purchase Field Artillery Officer Commandant's Kepi - Extremely Rare","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an outstanding World War One era French Field Artillery Officer’s kepi manufactured by British Tailor\u003cstrong\u003e Jones, Chalk, \u0026amp; Dawson of London\u003c\/strong\u003e. This absolutely would have been tailored for a French officer in London for diplomatic reasons, and is the first British-made French kepi we’ve seen. This is the lower height style kepi they first started using after phasing out the floppy or \"bummer\" type kepis. This style was only worn for a short time during WWI into the early 1920's. From the construction of this example, it is absolutely WWI period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is a high quality kepi, being a British private purchase. It was issued to an officer of the Field Artillery. The interior has a leather sweatband, which is heavily worn and has lost some stitching. The underside of the sweatband is inscribed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTo Duffy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Charlie\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis could be a period inscription but there’s really no way to tell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize is approximately 6 3\/4 (54cm). Overall condition is very good, with typical signs of wear and age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn outstanding British-made French Kepi for a FA Commandant, one of the best kepis we’ve ever offered. Comes ready for further research and display!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43468049678405,"sku":"ONJR25JYAU185","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25JYAU185MAIN.jpg?v=1756321592"},{"product_id":"original-french-2nd-empire-pattern-1818-1820-grenadier-officer-s-shako-with-chinscales-pomme","title":"Original French 2nd Empire Pattern 1818\/1820 Grenadier Officer’s Shako with Chinscales \u0026 Pomme","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One available. This is an exceptional example of a French Model 1818\/1820 Officer’s Shako complete with pomme! The shako was originally worn by an officer of the Grenadier as indicated by the shako plate. This model of shako was worn up until the adoption of the Model 1845 Shako.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is actually the Pattern 1818, the helmet plate displaying the Gallic Cockerel on a trophy of background of flag banners in front of the red, white and blue cockade surmounted by a red Pom-Pom to top. There is heavy cracking to the leather at the top.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTypical embroidered silver band around helmet top and quality embossed brass scaled chinstraps with Flaming Grenade devices above the ears at the connection points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffered in good but faded condition overall, much of the original black leather sweatband remains to the interior but there are no markings we could find.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA gorgeous example, ready for further research and display.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43828994998341,"sku":"ONJR25JYAU134","price":1095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25JYAU134__04.jpg?v=1760389864"},{"product_id":"original-french-type-241-aveuglante-plastic-concussion-stun-grenade-inert-1","title":"Original French Type 241 Aveuglante Plastic Concussion Stun Grenade - Inert","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a genuine French Type 241 Aveuglante Concussion “Flash Bang” or Stun Grenade. This all plastic constructed grenade has been properly rendered inert by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician. This cannot be rendered “live” again and is in compliance with the BATF regulations on ordnance ownership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot Available For Export\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis flashbang grenade was constructed by Ruggieri and is made entirely of plastic.\u003cbr\u003eWhen operated, the grenade gives a very loud \"bang\" (no detonation) and produces a flash strength of 3 Million candle power for tenths of seconds. The fuze has a delay of 1.5seconds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe body of the grenade still has original markings visible in white:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGR MA AVE TYPE 241\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1-RMS-80\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAMC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have not been able to fully research this item due to lack of information publicly available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grenade comes ready for research and display in your ordnance collections!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStun Grenade\u003cbr\u003eA stun grenade, also known as a flash grenade or flashbang, is a non-lethal weapon. The first devices like this were created in the 1960s at the order of the British Special Air Service as a distraction grenade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is designed to produce a blinding flash of light and loud noise without causing permanent injury. The flash produced momentarily activates all light sensitive cells in the eye, making vision impossible for approximately five seconds, until the eye restores itself to its normal, unstimulated state. The loud blast causes temporary loss of hearing, and also disturbs the fluid in the ear, causing loss of balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese grenades are designed to temporarily neutralize the combat effectiveness of enemies by disorienting their senses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen detonated, the fuze-grenade body assembly remains intact. The body is a tube with holes along the sides that emit the light and sound of the explosion. The explosion does not generally cause fragmentation injury, but can still burn. The concussive blast of the detonation can injure and the heat created can ignite flammable materials such as fuel. The fires that occurred during the Iranian Embassy Siege in London were caused by stun grenades. The filler consists of about 4.5 g (0.16 oz) of a pyrotechnic metal-oxidant mix of magnesium or aluminum and an oxidizer such as ammonium perchlorate or potassium perchlorate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43841286373445,"sku":"ONJR25JYAU150","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25JYAN150__01.jpg?v=1760648801"},{"product_id":"original-u-s-french-wwii-aacs-army-airways-communications-system-exposition-tour-eiffel-armband-rare","title":"Original U.S. French WWII AACS Army Airways Communications System Exposition Tour Eiffel Armband - Rare","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. AACS was charged with “the operation of all fixed Air Corps radio facilities installed for the purpose of facilitating air traffic between Army Flying Fields in the Continental United States.4 In order to assure centralized control, the system was placed under the immediate direction of the Chief of the Air Corps. The United States was divided into three communications regions, with headquarters located as follows: the 1st at March Field, California; the 2d at Langley Field, Virginia; and the 3d at Barksdale Field, Louisiana. To each of these regions one of three newly created communications squadrons was assigned. The procurement and installation of communications equipment remained a responsibility of the Chief Signal Officer. Base commanders continued to be responsible for housekeeping, discipline, and administrative control over AACS personnel, but the traditional authority of the base commander was now definitely limited in the interest of a centralized direction of operations throughout the system. Air-ground and ground-air contacts, point-to-point messages relating to the movement of aircraft, control of military air traffic, and the provision of navigational aids—all these came within the province of the new system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very interesting armband which we believe to denote a member of the U.S. AACS who was stationed at the top of the Eiffel Tower. The armband measures 6¾” laid out and is sewn closed. It is chain-stitched:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAACS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEXPOSITION\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTOUR EIFFEL\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is surrounded by lightning bolt arrows. AACS stands for Army Airways Communications System and the text below translates to Eiffel Tower Exposition. This likely denotes that the wearer worked with the AACS on the Eiffel Tower after France’s liberation in 1945, but this requires more research.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReady for further research and display.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43844824432709,"sku":"ONSV25PSD015","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV25PSD015__01.jpg?v=1773860113"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwi-model-1870-enlisted-trooper-s-cuirassier-helmet-with-horsehair-tail-by-b-franckbseskus-of-aubervillie-size-56","title":"Original French WWI Model 1870 Enlisted Trooper’s Cuirassier Helmet with Horsehair Tail by B. Franckbseskus of Aubervillie - Size 56","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a magnificent, unaltered example of a Model 1870 French Cuirassier Enlisted Trooper's Helmet from the World War I period. The helmet is constructed from durable steel and adorned with exquisite brass fittings, which give it a regal appearance. A striking black horse hair crest \u0026amp; tail adds to the helmet's majestic look, but there is no plume on this example. Despite being used and stored for many years, the helmet's original leather liner and visor linings have survived somewhat intact, although the liner is in rough shape with almost all of the leather finish gone. The liner is coming out of the helmet but is still attached on one end. There is a stamp under the liner for a maker and for the size, 56. The maker’s stamp appears to read:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eB. FRANCK B. SESKUS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAUBERVILLIE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA good research project. The Helmet features a Tall Brass Cimier with the \"Medusa head\" emblem to the front. Period Black horse mane on top and back of the helmet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Helmet \"bandeau\" is the French Grenade surrounded by laurel leaves.The chinscale chinstrap is retained and both sides appear retained in full with just crazing to the leather. Handle this helmet with ease. The plume holder is present but there is no plume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet most likely dates from the First World War. The helmet does exhibit some slight wear to the exterior, with browned oxidation throughout on the exterior. The brass fittings have mellowed to a very pleasing patinated coloration as well. It is a stunning looking helmet and is original in every way. This could be cleaned up slightly if one so desired, but we figured we would offer the helmet in “as found” untouched condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a phenomenal French Curaissier’s helmet that will add some flair to any WWI Collection. Comes ready for further research and display!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43871335678021,"sku":"ONJR25SEM07","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25SEM07__04.jpg?v=1760987260"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwii-italian-captured-reissued-m26-adrian-helmet-with-italian-air-force-insignia-liner","title":"Original French WWII Italian Captured \u0026 Reissued M26 Adrian Helmet with Italian Air Force Insignia \u0026 Liner","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a nice genuine World War II M1926 French Army \"Adrian\" helmet. The helmet retains some of the original olive green paint but has an Italian Air Force badge attached to the front. This would denote that the helmet was captured and reissued through the Italian Air Force. The badge will not budge from its spot and appears to have been on the helmet for a very long time. The helmet shell is in great shape with much of the paint retained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet retains its original liner which is in good service-worn condition with all tongues retained, along with the string that connects them. The liner shows heavy crazing and cracking, and the chinstrap is absent. There is a piece of hanger attached to the bale for hanging the helmet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a great helmet with lots of character, ready for further research and display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M15 Adrian helmet (French: Casque Adrian) was a combat helmet issued to the French Army during World War I. 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 the new technique of 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1926 the Adrian helmet was modified by being constructed of stronger steel and simplified by having the main part of the helmet stamped from one piece of metal, and therefore without the joining rim around the helmet that characterizes the M15. The large ventilation hole under the comb, which had been a weak point of the old design, was also replaced with a series of small holes. The M26 helmet continued in use with the French Army until after World War II, and was also used by the French police up to the 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the interwar period Belgium began to produce their own domestically made M26 Adrians and exported them around the globe. These helmets can be distinguished from their French counterparts, because they have a slightly different comb and a wider rim. In other countries the Adrian-type helmets were also in use with the fire-fighting units, railway guards or marine infantry (e.g. Japan's SNLF). Adrian helmets are still prized by collectors today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43879115718725,"sku":"ONAC25SD0219","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONAC25SD0219__07.jpg?v=1761145637"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwi-escadrille-103-pilot-armee-de-lair-french-air-service-twice-wounded-lieutenant-colonel-videau-officer-s-uniform-set-stork-escadrille-n103","title":"Original French WWI Escadrille 103 Pilot Armée de l'Air French Air Service Twice Wounded Lieutenant Colonel Videau Officer’s Uniform Set - Stork Escadrille N103","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Items: Only One Set Available. At the start of the First World War, France led the world in aircraft design and by mid-1912 the Aéronautique Militaire had five squadrons (\"escadrilles\"). This had grown to 132 machines and 21 escadrilles by 1914, the same year when, on 21 February, it formally received a budget under the Ministry of War. On 3 August, Germany declared war against France.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow this is an absolutely stunning uniform set for a named officer,\u003cstrong\u003e Lieutenant Colonel Videau\u003c\/strong\u003e. This was the standard issue for a WWI French Pilot. Horizon blue French Air Service service coat, single breasted with all 9 flaming bomb buttons down front. The collar tabs feature beautiful gold bullion on black felt “winged star” insignia with the color retained very well. The right side of the uniform features a lovely “\u003cstrong\u003eB\u003c\/strong\u003e” hallmarked Pilot’s Wings Badge with the colors retained very well. The badge was issued in the final years of the war, while the “B” hallmarked badges were used up into 1925. The badge is serialized with the number \u003cstrong\u003e1218 \u003c\/strong\u003eindicating that it dates between 1914 to 1915. These badges in their own standpoint are very rare. The Sam Browne belt featured on the tunic is in wonderful condition and rests on the integrated belt hooks on the tunic quite nicely. It even has a small pistol holster attached, possibly for a Ruby. The interior of the tunic is in good service-worn shape, showing some rips in the lining which is to be expected. There is a name tag on the interior pocket reading \u003cstrong\u003eVideau\u003c\/strong\u003e. The uniform itself is tailored, made by H. Richard Tailleur Militaire of Paris.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe uniform bears three ribbons above the left breast pocket including the \u003cstrong\u003eLegion of Honor, Croix de Guerre, and the Colonial Medal\u003c\/strong\u003e. Below these is an outstanding French squadron pin depicting a Stork, with the text below reading \u003cstrong\u003eSPA 103 RARAY\u003c\/strong\u003e, denoting Escadrille 103. Escadrille 103 of the French Air Force was an elite aviation unit on the Western Front during World War I.\u003cstrong\u003e One of its many aces, René Fonck was the highest scoring Allied fighter-pilot.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cuffs bear three gold and two silver chevrons, denoting the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The right shoulder bears two chevrons denoting that the officer was wounded two times!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe included overseas cap is of the French Horizon Blue color, with two gold braids stitched to the front of the cap for the officer’s rank, Lieutenant. There is also a “2” device attached to the front, and a sterling silver winged propellor badge to the left side. There is also yellow piping. The interior is stamped for size 58. This overseas cap likely does not go with the uniform, but it looks outstanding for display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe included breeches are a red set with a black stripe down the sides. There are no markings we can find. There is some heavy scattered mothing across the breeches. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a truly incredible set that does not come up for sale often. Comes ready for further research and display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApproximate Measurements\u003cbr\u003eCollar to shoulder: 10\"\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to sleeve: 23.5”\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to shoulder: 15.5\"\u003cbr\u003eChest width: 18”\u003cbr\u003eWaist: 17\"\u003cbr\u003eHip: 21.5\"\u003cbr\u003eFront length: 32\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePants:\u003cbr\u003eWaist: 16.5\"\u003cbr\u003eInseam: 26\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEscadrille 103 was formed from Breguet Escadrille 17, which was founded on 2 August 1914 at Longvic. On 16 November 1914, it re-equipped with Voisins, becoming Escadrille VB.3. On 23 November 1914, it was posted to Groupe de Bombardment No. 1, commanded by Commandant Louis de Goys de Mezeyrac. On 4 March 1915, it was redesignated Escadrille VB.103. As part of GB.1, the escadrille was cited for its valor on 27 May 1915. General Ferdinand Foch issued the citation on 1 June. Foch would issue a second citation on 19 September 1915, based on the bombing raids of the 13th on Ludwigshafen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 19 February 1916, the escadrille was converted to an escadrille de chasse (fighter squadron). It was issued Nieuports and renumbered as Escadrille N.103. On 16 April 1916, the unit was amalgamated into Groupement de Combat de la Somme, along with Escadrilles N.26, N.73, and N.3. Escadrilles N.37, N.62, and N.65 were also temporarily assigned to the groupement. All seven units were placed under command of Brocard. On 1 November 1916, the original four squadrons, including Escadrille N.103, were consolidated as Groupe de Combat 12 (GC 12), under the continuing command of Brocard. The SPADs in GC 12 bore insignia of storks in different phases of flight and were known as \"Les Cignones.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 28 January 1917, the unit was posted to the Xe Armée. It transferred to the VIIe Armée in March. On 12 July, it moved to support Ier Armée in Flanders. GC 12, including Escadrille 103, was transferred to VIe Armée again on 11 December 1917.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEscadrille 103 continued its service within GC 12, as the group made transitions to support Xe Armée on 5 June 1918; Ve Armée on 17 July; to Ier Armée on 29 July; and to IIe Armée on 9 September 1918. It received its third citation on the 9th, though the first as fighter unit Escadrille Spa.103. It was credited with destroying 85 enemy aircraft and disabling 69 others. Its final tally for the entire war was 108 enemy aircraft and three observation balloons destroyed. The heritage of the escadrille continues in the present day French air force; it is represented by the top bird on the Escadrille de Chasse 1\/2 squadron emblem.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44011825430597,"sku":"ONJR25NOMS76","price":2995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25NOMS76MAIN.jpg?v=1763586635"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwi-issue-model-1915-infantry-adrian-helmet-in-horizon-blue-with-scarce-1st-pattern-liner-chinstrap-copy","title":"Original French WWI Issue Model 1915 Infantry Adrian Helmet in Horizon Blue with Scarce 1st Pattern Liner \u0026 Chinstrap","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an authentic World War I M-1915 French Army \"Adrian\" steel helmet, which appears to have been well used. The original French \"Flaming Bomb\" badge is still present on the front of the helmet, with the standard R F on the \"bomb\" standing for Republique Francaise. This badge is typically used on standard Infantry issue helmets. The helmet seems to have been painted at least once, but without any evidence of repainting, which is a rare occurrence. Such Adrian helmets were heavily used during the various battles fought across France, so finding one that was not repainted several times is quite a rarity. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe “one-piece” liner with seven tongues is referred to as the “first pattern.” This first pattern leather liner is present, but it shows signs of heavy wear and tear. There is still a decent amount of finish present, but there is heavy material loss including some holes in the leather. The underside of the liner shows the dark blue wool padding used from uniform scraps. 1st Pattern liners are very difficult to find. The liner is very stiff.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chinstrap of the helmet is present and complete, but it is in a somewhat delicate condition, stretched over the brim of the helmet. It is recommended that you avoid handling it too much. The overall condition of the helmet is good, but it shows signs of wear. It is worth noting that this helmet was not stored in a depot during the war but instead saw actual use! There are some odd almost embossed markings on the underside of the rear visor. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComes ready for further research and display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Adrian helmet was an influential design of combat helmet originally produced for the French Army during World War I. Its original version, the M15, 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 World War II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the outbreak of World War I in August 1914 soldiers in the French Army wore the standard kepi cap, which provided no protection against injury. The early stages of trench warfare proved that even basic protection of the head would result in a significantly lower mortality rate among front-line soldiers. By the beginning of 1915 a rudimentary steel skull-cap (calotte métallique, cervelière) was being issued to be worn under the kepi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsequently, the French staff ordered development of a metal helmet that could protect soldiers from the shrapnel of exploding artillery shells. Since soldiers in trenches were also vulnerable to shrapnel exploding above their heads, a deflector crest was added along the helmet's axis. Branch insignia in the form of a grenade for line infantry and cavalry, a bugle horn for chasseurs, crossed cannon for artillery, an anchor for colonial troops and a crescent for North African units was attached to the front. Contrary to common misconception, the M15 helmet was not designed to protect the wearer from direct impact by rifle or machine gun bullets. The resulting headgear was credited to Intendant-General Louis Auguste Adrian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet adopted by the army was made of mild steel and weighed only 0.765 kg (1 lb 11.0 oz)), which made it lighter and less protective than the contemporary British Brodie helmet and the German Stahlhelm. Orders were placed for the helmets in the spring of 1915, which started being issued by July. By September, all frontline troops in France were issued with the helmet. The helmet was surprisingly complex to produce with seventy stages involved in its production, not including those required to prepare the metal. The slot for the badges and the distinctive crest took additional time to manufacture, while also adding a hundred grams of weight. However, the helmet was deliberately designed this way to evoke the artistic style of the highly popular military artist Édouard Detaille, which helped raise the morale of the troops. Indeed French troops identified quite closely with their helmets. The helmet's light weight was also better suited to France's emphasis on mobility and was easier for soldiers to wear for extended periods. In addition to the helmet, a set of armored \"epaulets\" were also developed by Adrian and issued to defend against shrapnel and air-dropped darts, although they were not in common use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom late 1915, a cloth cover for the helmet was issued, in khaki or light blue, to prevent reflection. However, it was found that if the helmet was pierced by shell splinters, pieces of dirty cloth were carried into the wound, which increased the risk of infection. Consequently, in mid-1916 an order was issued that the covers should be discarded. By the end of World War I, the Adrian had been issued to almost all infantry units fighting with the French Army.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was also used by some of the American divisions fighting in France, including the African-American 369th Infantry Regiment, commonly known as the Harlem Hellfighters, and the Polish forces of Haller's Blue Army. The French Gendarmerie mobile adopted a dark blue version in 1926, and continued to wear it into the 1960s, well after the regular army had discarded it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn December 1915, Winston Churchill (later to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940–1945), while serving as a major with the British Army's Grenadier Guards, was presented with an Adrian helmet by the French General Émile Fayolle. He is seen wearing it in photographs and in a portrait painted by Sir John Lavery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet proved to be fairly effective against shrapnel and it was cheap and easy to manufacture. As a consequence, more than twenty million Adrian helmets were produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey were widely adopted by other countries including Belgium, Brazil, China, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Italy (including license-built versions), Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Siam, United States, U.S.S.R., and Yugoslavia, each of these states adding its own insignia to the front of the helmet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, because the new steel helmets offered little protection against actual bullets, they were reportedly often among the first pieces of equipment to be abandoned by soldiers on the battlefield. It was also discovered that the badge placed on the front of helmets impaired the strength of the helmet because of the two slots required. This perceived weakness made several armies remove their national insignia altogether. Early helmets were painted \"horizon-blue\" (light blue-grey) for French troops and khaki for colonial forces. Those made after 1935 are usually painted khaki, reflecting the French army movement to a more camouflaged uniform in the 1930's.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1926 the Adrian helmet was modified by being constructed of stronger steel and simplified by having the main part of the helmet stamped from one piece of metal, and therefore without the joining rim around the helmet that characterizes the M15. The large ventilation hole under the comb, which had been a weak point of the old design, was also replaced with a series of small holes. The M26 helmet continued in use with the French Army until after World War II, and was also used by the French police up to the 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the interwar period Belgium began to produce their own domestically made M26 Adrians and exported them around the globe. These helmets can be distinguished from their French counterparts, because they have a slightly different comb and a wider rim. In other countries the Adrian-type helmets were also in use with the fire-fighting units, railway guards or marine infantry (e.g. Japan's SNLF). Adrian helmets are still prized by collectors today. In 1940, Mexico began to produce M26 helmets locally after shipments from France stopped due to the German occupation. A crestless version was produced in small numbers as well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44048995319877,"sku":"ONJR25MHG006","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25MHG006__07.jpg?v=1764176820"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwi-early-war-artillery-major-officer-s-greatcoat-lieutenant-s-kepi-with-officer-s-belt-circa-1914","title":"Original French WWI Early War Artillery Major Officer’s Greatcoat \u0026 Lieutenant’s Kepi with Officer’s Belt - Circa 1914","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Items. Only One Set Available. This is a lovely French WWI Artillery officer’s display uniform set, consisting of a heavily worn Artillery Major’s black Greatcoat and an Artillery Lieutenant’s Kepi, with a Sam Browne officer’s belt. This would be a great early war French display for your WWI collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe greatcoat is very large and heavy, with scattered damage across the exterior, including moth tracking, staining, and loss of stitching in the backs of the cuff rank stripes. The coat retains its original French Artillery buttons, 12 to the breasts, 1 pocket button, and 4 on the tightening strap to the rear. The interior shows a lovely plaid lining which does have moderate tearing in spots. This is a great circa 1914 greatcoat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lieutenant’s Kepi is also in rough shape with heavy crushing of the shape and loss of stitching to the crown rank braiding. There is also heavy staining and some moth damage, with one hole through to the interior. The chinstrap is still held in by the two small artillery buttons. The sweatband is retained, and the kepi does match the coat well, despite not matching. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great early war French greatcoat \u0026amp; kepi set, with a great Sam Browne officer’s belt that ties the set together. Ready for display!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44057953763397,"sku":"ONJR23SWC072","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR23SWC072__1A.jpg?v=1777490180"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwii-f1-hand-grenade-with-mle-1935-fuze-inert-4","title":"Original French WWII F1 Hand Grenade with Mle 1935 Fuze - Inert","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. Totally inert and demilitarized according to BATF guidelines with hollow body and inert fuse. This mortar round cannot be converted to an explosive device and is not available for export.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a nice World War One French F1 Grenade with an Mle 1935 Fuze, offered in good condition. The F1 grenade had been developed during WWI, however the design was widely copied, and was still in use through WWII. The only real difference was the replacement of the \"Brillante\" fuse with the more modern Model 1935 time delay fuze.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example has a marked spoon, which is stamped:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAFM\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e101\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e40\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe body is in very worn condition, with a later-added silver paint that is now chipping heavily. The head of the fuse is embossed \u003cstrong\u003eAEM \/ 4.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a good example of an F1 which was pressed back into service for WWII. Comes ready for further research and display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe F-1 grenade is a hand grenade mass-produced by France during and after WWII, used en masse in the majority of European countries throughout the First World War and Second World War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe F-1 grenade was first put into mass production by the French State in 1915 during the First World War. In May 1915 the first of the F1 grenades (fusante No. 1) appeared in the French military, in limited quantities. This new weapon inherited from the experience of the first months of the war: the shape was made to be more modern, with an external grooves pattern for better grip and easier fragmentation. The second expectation proved deceptive, since the explosion in practice gave no more than 10 fragments (although the pattern was designed to split into all the 38 drawn divisions). The design was proved to be very functional, especially due to its stability compared to other grenades of the same period. Later, the Fusante No. 1 was used en masse by many foreign armies in the period 1915–1940. The F-1 grenade has been used as a basis for the development of many other grenades by different nations, including the US and the Soviet Union.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe F-1 was very widespread during the first half of the 20th century, used by armies of France, United States, Imperial Russia, the Soviet Union, Finland, and others. Overall more than sixty million of these grenades were produced over 25 years, from 1915 to 1940.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDevelopment\u003cbr\u003eOriginally, the F1 was designed to use a lighter-based ignition system, but later it began using a percussion cap fuse. Designs such as the M1916 and M1917 Billant fuses turned the F1 into a time-fused grenade, which was the grenade's final ignition system. By World War II, the F1 used the M1935 fuse, which is a time-based fuse, but it differs from the M1916 Billant fuse internally. The F-1 in its original design was withdrawn from French military service in 1946. The altered models of the grenade remain in military service in countries around the world, among others in the Russian F1 Grenade and American Mk 2 grenade.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44247030530117,"sku":"ONSV24SOS171","price":195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV24SOS171__02.jpg?v=1765408133"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwii-1939-model-periscope-with-factory-applied-camouflage-scheme-by-huet-of-paris-serial-33928","title":"Original French WWII 1939 Model Periscope with Factory-Applied Camouflage Scheme by Huet of Paris - Serial 33928","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is a good service-worn French Model 1939 Trench Periscope, with a great factory-applied camouflage scheme. These periscopes where produced pre war for the French army and used during the war by the German army after the Fall of France in 1940. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe periscope is marked on the body with a maker’s mark reading:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“HUET”\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePARIS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bottom “barrel” is marked on both sides, but it is difficult to read due to paint loss and oxidation in this area. The sides read:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eM.G.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNo. 33928\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrt. 6\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMICRO GRADES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mount is still there but as mentioned there is heavy oxidation in this area. The optic is still rather clear, but is a bit dirty from age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fantastic camouflaged periscope, ready for display.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44418383478853,"sku":"ONJR25NOHG83","price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25NOHG83__05.jpg?v=1765991368"},{"product_id":"original-french-2nd-empire-model-1872-national-guard-of-paris-gorget-with-leather-backing-and-spiral-buttons","title":"Original French 2nd Empire Model 1872 National Guard of Paris Gorget with Leather Backing and Spiral Buttons","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of a 19th Century French Second Empire Officer’s Gorget, as worn by the Royal Guard of the Restoriation. A gorget, from the French gorge meaning throat, was a band of linen wrapped around a woman's neck and head in the medieval period or the lower part of a simple chaperon hood. The term later described a steel or leather collar to protect the throat, a set of pieces of plate armor, or a single piece of plate armor hanging from the neck and covering the throat and chest. Later, particularly from the 18th century, the gorget became primarily ornamental, serving as a symbolic accessory on military uniforms, a use which has survived in some armies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gorget is constructed out of brass which has tarnished to a lovely patina, and features the copper arms of the Royal Guard of the Restoration period, which shows very heavy wear and very heavy verdigris around the border. There is minor pitting present on the reverse as well as scratching. The gorget measures 4⅞ x 3½”. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lovely example ready for further research and display.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44421896765509,"sku":"ONJR25DEAS26","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25DEAS26__01.jpg?v=1766175470"},{"product_id":"original-french-2nd-empire-model-1872-officer-d-infanterie-gorget","title":"Original French 2nd Empire Model 1872 Officer D’Infanterie Gorget","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is a lovely example of a 19th Century French Second Empire Officer’s Gorget, as worn by the French Officer D’Infanterie, or officer of infantry. A gorget, from the French gorge meaning throat, was a band of linen wrapped around a woman's neck and head in the medieval period or the lower part of a simple chaperon hood. The term later described a steel or leather collar to protect the throat, a set of pieces of plate armor, or a single piece of plate armor hanging from the neck and covering the throat and chest. Later, particularly from the 18th century, the gorget became primarily ornamental, serving as a symbolic accessory on military uniforms, a use which has survived in some armies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gorget is constructed out of brass which has tarnished to a lovely patina, and features crossed swords within a wreath, denoting an officer of infantry. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe condition is heavily worn with some residue to the front. The badge has a bit of play but has certainly always been on the gorget. The right side next to the hole is stamped R. The gorget measures 5 ⅜ x 4”. There is minor pitting present on the reverse as well as scratching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lovely example ready for further research and display.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44421903614021,"sku":"ONJR25DEAS25","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25DEAS25__04.jpg?v=1766092708"},{"product_id":"original-french-2nd-empire-pattern-1845-la-garde-nationale-officer-s-shako-with-chinscales-pomme-national-guard","title":"Original French 2nd Empire Pattern 1845 La Garde Nationale Officer’s Shako with Chinscales \u0026 Pomme - National Guard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One available. This is an exceptional example of a French Model 1845 Officer’s Shako complete with ball tuft! The shako was originally worn by “\u003cstrong\u003eD’Officier de la Garde Nationale de la 2eme Republique\u003c\/strong\u003e”, or an officer of the French National Guard as indicated by the shako plate depicting a rooster over laurels, and dated from the July Monarchy Period into the 2nd Empire. This model of shako was worn up until the adoption of the Model 1854 Shako, which featured a lower crown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shako is in excellent condition for its age. The shako is constructed of a Beaver Pelt covered pasteboard body, with leather visor and crown. Around the crown is adorned with a silver felt tresse. This example retains its original chinscales, which in this case is just a single piece of stamped metal which resembles chinscales over a leather strap. It is still wrapped around the tuft. The tresse has some minor material loss from mothing, and there is some heavy wear overall, but this shako has survived very well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original leather liner is in great condition and retains all seven of its tongues, with the original tie-cord still intact as well! The liner actually retains some gold accenting along the edges. The lining shows signs of wear and deterioration here and there from age. We’ve seen examples of this model with a sweatband, and some with an actual liner, with the actual liner examples being more difficult to find.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original green woolen Plume (or Pomme) is in excellent condition, and features a green tuft. The original silver-gilded plate is in excellent condition. The original tricolor cockade is present as well, and is held tightly in place with its original thread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the nicest examples of early French headgear we have had the pleasure of offering! Ready for display!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44440039915589,"sku":"ONJR25DEAS24","price":1095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25DEAS24__04.jpg?v=1766517761"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwi-issue-model-1915-infantry-adrian-helmet-in-horizon-blue-with-scarce-1st-pattern-liner-period-newspapers-used-as-liner-padding","title":"Original French WWI Issue Model 1915 Infantry Adrian Helmet in Horizon Blue with Scarce 1st Pattern Liner \u0026 Period Newspapers Used as Liner Padding","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an authentic World War I M-1915 French Army \"Adrian\" steel helmet, which appears to have been well used. The original French \"Flaming Bomb\" badge is still present on the front of the helmet, with the standard R F on the \"bomb\" standing for Republique Francaise. This badge is typically used on standard Infantry issue helmets. The helmet seems to have been painted at least once, but without any evidence of repainting, which is a rare occurrence. Such Adrian helmets were heavily used during the various battles fought across France, so finding one that was not repainted several times is quite a rarity. This example also has original French WWI period newspaper rolled and stuffed under the liner as makeshift padding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe “one-piece” liner with seven tongues is referred to as the “first pattern.” This first pattern leather liner is present, but it shows signs of heavy wear and tear. There is still a decent amount of finish present, but there is heavy material loss including some holes in the leather and tearing in the tongues. The underside of the liner shows the dark blue wool padding used from uniform scraps, along with the newspapers. 1st Pattern liners are very difficult to find.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chinstrap of the helmet is present and complete, but it is in a somewhat delicate condition, and is under the helmet, not stretched taut. It is recommended that you avoid handling it too much. There is an old tag attached to the chinstrap which is now very small, but originally had the name of the soldier who wore it, and the remaining bit of the tag notes the word “estate” and “Dow”, so the soldier’s name may have been Dow, and this came from their estate. The overall condition of the helmet is good, but it shows signs of wear. It is worth noting that this helmet was not stored in a depot during the war but instead saw actual use!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComes ready for further research and display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Adrian helmet was an influential design of combat helmet originally produced for the French Army during World War I. Its original version, the M15, 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 World War II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the outbreak of World War I in August 1914 soldiers in the French Army wore the standard kepi cap, which provided no protection against injury. The early stages of trench warfare proved that even basic protection of the head would result in a significantly lower mortality rate among front-line soldiers. By the beginning of 1915 a rudimentary steel skull-cap (calotte métallique, cervelière) was being issued to be worn under the kepi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsequently, the French staff ordered development of a metal helmet that could protect soldiers from the shrapnel of exploding artillery shells. Since soldiers in trenches were also vulnerable to shrapnel exploding above their heads, a deflector crest was added along the helmet's axis. Branch insignia in the form of a grenade for line infantry and cavalry, a bugle horn for chasseurs, crossed cannon for artillery, an anchor for colonial troops and a crescent for North African units was attached to the front. Contrary to common misconception, the M15 helmet was not designed to protect the wearer from direct impact by rifle or machine gun bullets. The resulting headgear was credited to Intendant-General Louis Auguste Adrian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet adopted by the army was made of mild steel and weighed only 0.765 kg (1 lb 11.0 oz)), which made it lighter and less protective than the contemporary British Brodie helmet and the German Stahlhelm. Orders were placed for the helmets in the spring of 1915, which started being issued by July. By September, all frontline troops in France were issued with the helmet. The helmet was surprisingly complex to produce with seventy stages involved in its production, not including those required to prepare the metal. The slot for the badges and the distinctive crest took additional time to manufacture, while also adding a hundred grams of weight. However, the helmet was deliberately designed this way to evoke the artistic style of the highly popular military artist Édouard Detaille, which helped raise the morale of the troops. Indeed French troops identified quite closely with their helmets. The helmet's light weight was also better suited to France's emphasis on mobility and was easier for soldiers to wear for extended periods. In addition to the helmet, a set of armored \"epaulets\" were also developed by Adrian and issued to defend against shrapnel and air-dropped darts, although they were not in common use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom late 1915, a cloth cover for the helmet was issued, in khaki or light blue, to prevent reflection. However, it was found that if the helmet was pierced by shell splinters, pieces of dirty cloth were carried into the wound, which increased the risk of infection. Consequently, in mid-1916 an order was issued that the covers should be discarded. By the end of World War I, the Adrian had been issued to almost all infantry units fighting with the French Army.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was also used by some of the American divisions fighting in France, including the African-American 369th Infantry Regiment, commonly known as the Harlem Hellfighters, and the Polish forces of Haller's Blue Army. The French Gendarmerie mobile adopted a dark blue version in 1926, and continued to wear it into the 1960s, well after the regular army had discarded it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn December 1915, Winston Churchill (later to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940–1945), while serving as a major with the British Army's Grenadier Guards, was presented with an Adrian helmet by the French General Émile Fayolle. He is seen wearing it in photographs and in a portrait painted by Sir John Lavery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet proved to be fairly effective against shrapnel and it was cheap and easy to manufacture. As a consequence, more than twenty million Adrian helmets were produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey were widely adopted by other countries including Belgium, Brazil, China, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Italy (including license-built versions), Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Siam, United States, U.S.S.R., and Yugoslavia, each of these states adding its own insignia to the front of the helmet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, because the new steel helmets offered little protection against actual bullets, they were reportedly often among the first pieces of equipment to be abandoned by soldiers on the battlefield. It was also discovered that the badge placed on the front of helmets impaired the strength of the helmet because of the two slots required. This perceived weakness made several armies remove their national insignia altogether. Early helmets were painted \"horizon-blue\" (light blue-grey) for French troops and khaki for colonial forces. Those made after 1935 are usually painted khaki, reflecting the French army movement to a more camouflaged uniform in the 1930's.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1926 the Adrian helmet was modified by being constructed of stronger steel and simplified by having the main part of the helmet stamped from one piece of metal, and therefore without the joining rim around the helmet that characterizes the M15. The large ventilation hole under the comb, which had been a weak point of the old design, was also replaced with a series of small holes. The M26 helmet continued in use with the French Army until after World War II, and was also used by the French police up to the 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the interwar period Belgium began to produce their own domestically made M26 Adrians and exported them around the globe. These helmets can be distinguished from their French counterparts, because they have a slightly different comb and a wider rim. In other countries the Adrian-type helmets were also in use with the fire-fighting units, railway guards or marine infantry (e.g. Japan's SNLF). Adrian helmets are still prized by collectors today. In 1940, Mexico began to produce M26 helmets locally after shipments from France stopped due to the German occupation. A crestless version was produced in small numbers as well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44517855133765,"sku":"ONSV24WSJ008","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV24WSJ008.jpg?v=1767814137"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwi-private-purchase-156th-artillery-commandant-officer-s-kepi-by-liano-of-paris","title":"Original French WWI Private Purchase 156th Artillery Commandant Officer’s Kepi by Liano of Paris","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely World War One French Artillery Officer’s kepi in excellent condition. This is the lower height style kepi they first started using after phasing out the floppy or \"bummer\" type kepis. This style was only worn for a short time during WWI into the early 1920's. From the construction of this example, it appears earlier and certainly during the WWI period. It has numerals on the front denoting the 156th Field Artillery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe kepi is high quality in construction and retains markings on the sweatband for manufacture by Liano of Paris, a company we couldn’t find much information on. The faux chinstrap is still intact, held in place by two artillery buttons. The crown is in great shape with just basic wear. The interior shows that the oilcloth sweatband is well-retained, but the stitching is coming off in multiple spots. The sweatband has initial devices for\u003cstrong\u003e A.V.\u003c\/strong\u003e, certainly the initials of the officer. The orange\/gold lining still looks great with some sweat-staining. The visor shows heavy crazing but the character is still great. The kepi is roughly a size 7.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA splendid WWI Artillery kepi for a Commandant of the 156th Artillery, ready for further research and display.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44539126644805,"sku":"ONJR25DENV130","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25DENV130.jpg?v=1768424892"},{"product_id":"original-french-wwii-502nd-tank-regiment-regiment-de-chars-de-combat-lieutenant-officer-s-uniform-tunic-with-ribbon-bar","title":"Original French WWII 502nd Tank Regiment Régiment de Chars de Combat Lieutenant Officer’s Uniform Tunic with Ribbon Bar","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is a great WWII uniform tunic worn by a Lieutenant of the French 502nd Régiment de Chars de Combat, as denoted by the black orange-piped collar tabs embroidered \u003cstrong\u003e502\u003c\/strong\u003e. The uniform features all Armored buttons and a three-place ribbon bar on the left breast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe jacket has two stripes on each cuff denoting the rank of Lieutenant. The left beast has a stitched three-place ribbon bar with the Military Medal, the 1943–1944 Italian campaign medal, and the Combatant's Cross. They appear original to the uniform.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example was used by an American costume company after the war, and is stamped in the right sleeve:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e28 \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWESTERN COSTUME CO.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fantastic French Tanker officer’s uniform, ready for further research and display!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Measurements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCollar to shoulder: 11\"\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to sleeve: 27”\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to shoulder: 15\"\u003cbr\u003eChest width: 19”\u003cbr\u003eWaist: 17\"\u003cbr\u003eHip: 19\"\u003cbr\u003eFront length: 31\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44561884938309,"sku":"ONJR25DENV173","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25DENV173.jpg?v=1769029737"},{"product_id":"original-vichy-french-wwii-colonial-navy-officer-s-visor-cap-by-g-talon-of-paris","title":"Original Vichy French WWII Colonial Navy Officer’s Visor Cap by G. Talon of Paris","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is an extremely-well preserved Vichy French Colonial Navy officer’s visor cap, constructed of smooth black wool. The entire circumference of the cap band is adorned by machine-embroidered gold bullion wire in an ornate oak leaf-style design. The front peak bears a machine-embroidered gold bullion wire insignia depicting an anchor over a crescent moon. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cap is flanked on each side by gilded brass buttons, bearing a naval anchor over a crescent moon, holding in place a braided, decorative gold bullion wire chinstrap, neatly knotted at each end, which rests upon the cap’s black leather visor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior shows a well-worn black leather sweatband which retains much of its stitching although there is some loss and heavy crazing in the leather. The interior crown has a now broken celluloid sweat protector covering the maker’s mark:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eG. TALON\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpécialiste d’Uniforme\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e62 Avenue Bosquet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePARIS VII\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an outstanding well-worn cap, the first visor of Vichy France we have offered and a very scarce one at that, for the Colonial Navy! The visor is roughly Size 7.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComes ready for display.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44574082072645,"sku":"ONJR25DENV118","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25DENV118__01.jpg?v=1769375401"},{"product_id":"original-french-post-wwi-1920s-issue-model-1915-air-force-adrian-helmet-in-horizon-blue-with-2nd-pattern-liner","title":"Original French Post-WWI 1920s Issue Model 1915 Air Force Adrian Helmet in Horizon Blue with 2nd Pattern Liner","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an authentic World War I M-1915 French Army \"Adrian\" steel helmet, which looks to have seen use into the 1920s, with an extremely scarce French Air Force front badge. It depicts a winged star under the standard \u003cstrong\u003eR F\u003c\/strong\u003e on the \"bomb\" standing for \u003cem\u003eRepublique Francaise\u003c\/em\u003e. This example has a single layer of great Horizon Blue paint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2nd Pattern leather liner is present, showing moderate wear, with a lot of the finish present, slight tearing and minor cracking present around the lip of the liner. The liner itself is still secured properly inside, and three of the four corrugated aluminum spacers are still present. The chinstrap is present but broken on one side, but can still be wedged into the bale to present on the brim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a great  example, the first French Air Force helmet we’ve had. Comes ready for further research and display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Adrian helmet was an influential design of combat helmet originally produced for the French Army during World War I. Its original version, the M15, 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 World War II.\u003cbr\u003eAt the outbreak of World War I in August 1914 soldiers in the French Army wore the standard kepi cap, which provided no protection against injury. The early stages of trench warfare proved that even basic protection of the head would result in a significantly lower mortality rate among front-line soldiers. By the beginning of 1915 a rudimentary steel skull-cap (calotte métallique, cervelière) was being issued to be worn under the kepi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsequently, the French staff ordered development of a metal helmet that could protect soldiers from the shrapnel of exploding artillery shells. Since soldiers in trenches were also vulnerable to shrapnel exploding above their heads, a deflector crest was added along the helmet's axis. Branch insignia in the form of a grenade for line infantry and cavalry, a bugle horn for chasseurs, crossed cannon for artillery, an anchor for colonial troops and a crescent for North African units was attached to the front. Contrary to common misconception, the M15 helmet was not designed to protect the wearer from direct impact by rifle or machine gun bullets. The resulting headgear was credited to Intendant-General Louis Auguste Adrian.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet adopted by the army was made of mild steel and weighed only 0.765 kg (1 lb 11.0 oz)), which made it lighter and less protective than the contemporary British Brodie helmet and the German Stahlhelm. Orders were placed for the helmets in the spring of 1915, which started being issued by July. By September, all frontline troops in France were issued with the helmet. The helmet was surprisingly complex to produce with seventy stages involved in its production, not including those required to prepare the metal. The slot for the badges and the distinctive crest took additional time to manufacture, while also adding a hundred grams of weight. However, the helmet was deliberately designed this way to evoke the artistic style of the highly popular military artist Édouard Detaille, which helped raise the morale of the troops. Indeed French troops identified quite closely with their helmets. The helmet's light weight was also better suited to France's emphasis on mobility and was easier for soldiers to wear for extended periods. In addition to the helmet, a set of armored \"epaulets\" were also developed by Adrian and issued to defend against shrapnel and air-dropped darts, although they were not in common use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom late 1915, a cloth cover for the helmet was issued, in khaki or light blue, to prevent reflection. However, it was found that if the helmet was pierced by shell splinters, pieces of dirty cloth were carried into the wound, which increased the risk of infection. Consequently, in mid-1916 an order was issued that the covers should be discarded. By the end of World War I, the Adrian had been issued to almost all infantry units fighting with the French Army.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was also used by some of the American divisions fighting in France, including the African-American 369th Infantry Regiment, commonly known as the Harlem Hellfighters, and the Polish forces of Haller's Blue Army. The French Gendarmerie mobile adopted a dark blue version in 1926, and continued to wear it into the 1960s, well after the regular army had discarded it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn December 1915, Winston Churchill (later to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940–1945), while serving as a major with the British Army's Grenadier Guards, was presented with an Adrian helmet by the French General Émile Fayolle. He is seen wearing it in photographs and in a portrait painted by Sir John Lavery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet proved to be fairly effective against shrapnel and it was cheap and easy to manufacture. As a consequence, more than twenty million Adrian helmets were produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey were widely adopted by other countries including Belgium, Brazil, China, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Italy (including license-built versions), Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Siam, United States, U.S.S.R., and Yugoslavia, each of these states adding its own insignia to the front of the helmet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, because the new steel helmets offered little protection against actual bullets, they were reportedly often among the first pieces of equipment to be abandoned by soldiers on the battlefield. It was also discovered that the badge placed on the front of helmets impaired the strength of the helmet because of the two slots required. This perceived weakness made several armies remove their national insignia altogether. Early helmets were painted \"horizon-blue\" (light blue-grey) for French troops and khaki for colonial forces. Those made after 1935 are usually painted khaki, reflecting the French army movement to a more camouflaged uniform in the 1930's.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1926 the Adrian helmet was modified by being constructed of stronger steel and simplified by having the main part of the helmet stamped from one piece of metal, and therefore without the joining rim around the helmet that characterizes the M15. The large ventilation hole under the comb, which had been a weak point of the old design, was also replaced with a series of small holes. The M26 helmet continued in use with the French Army until after World War II, and was also used by the French police up to the 1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the interwar period Belgium began to produce their own domestically made M26 Adrians and exported them around the globe. These helmets can be distinguished from their French counterparts, because they have a slightly different comb and a wider rim. In other countries the Adrian-type helmets were also in use with the fire-fighting units, railway guards or marine infantry (e.g. Japan's SNLF). Adrian helmets are still prized by collectors today. In 1940, Mexico began to produce M26 helmets locally after shipments from France stopped due to the German occupation. A crestless version was produced in small numbers as well\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44574110220357,"sku":"ONJR25NVA38","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25NVA38__01.jpg?v=1769442145"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/collections\/ON4025__01.jpg?v=1563398344","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/collections\/french-militaria\/helmets+18th-century+french-flags+gun-parts+german-militaria.oembed","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}