Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice genuine World War I Model 1916 Italian Army Medic’s "Adrian" helmet, referred to in official documents as the Modello Lippmann helmet after its designer. Initially during the war, Italy utilized Adrian Model 1915 helmets produced under contract by the French. These early war contract helmets were essentially identical to the regular French M1915 Adrian helmets, however they were painted green, instead of the "Horizon Blue" that the French used.
Later Italy would produced its own simplified version, which featured a welded-on comb and single piece shell, like this example. Designed by Lippmann, the new helmet was also referred to as the Elmetto metallico leggero modello 1916 (light metal helmet model 1916), referring to the reduced weight. Unlike the four piece French Adrian M1915, the M1916 was made of two main pieces rather than four, and the components were welded rather than riveted together. The steel alloy was stronger, and this combination of features made it more resistant to bullets and shrapnel than the earlier French contract helmets.
The helmet retains its original green paint but it is heavily cracking. There is a white circle with a Red Cross painted on the front, although much of the insignia is chipped away. This example features a complete original leather liner with wool backing behind the liner band which is characteristic of the Italian Model 1916 vs the French Model 1915. The edges of the liner are worn through in spots but is in solid condition. Offered in overall very good condition, with complete leather chinstrap. Shell shows some minor dings, scratches and paint chips consistent with age, and the underside of the brim has very heavy paint chipping. Ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
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