A rather short blog today, but still of interest, I hope.
In 1916 the Italian army purchased M15 Adrian helmets from France. Not to be confused with the Italian made Adrian style, but simplified, Model 1916 Lippmann helmets.
The delivery shows the haste. The first helmets were French horizon blue with French badges attached. The next batches were without badges but still painted horizon blue. The aforementioned were painted grey-green (Griggio Verde) by the Italians.
Mine is of a late batch, with grey-green paint factory applied. Made and painted especially for Italian use. The liner and chinstrap will have been French type, though those are sadly missing on my example.
After the Russian revolution it is said the Italians also received helmets originally intended for Russia, with Russian badges mounted on them.
So, a helmet that is testament to Italy’s severe need for military supplies during WWI.
