WWI Itallian Adrian Helmet

[Perspectivist]

I picked this up for 30 dollars. From the pictures, I thought it was a French m1915 helmet that just looked green from lighting, but was pleasantly surprised to learn otherwise after having it in hand. I don't think these are too common so I'm sharing it here. Was the glossy green paint applied by the Italians over the French factory blue coat, and if so why do I see a lighter, flat shade of green peeking out from where the glossy paint has chipped?

Thanks, John

[ynot]

Is it possibly a postwar repaint by someone fixing it up?

I've never actually handled an Italian M15 helmet but thought the insignia was painted on, can you see anything under the gloss? A nice helmet shell whether repainted or not.

The rivet at the front of the comb looks different too but as said, I've never handled them.

Tony

[Perspectivist]

Here are two other examples I've found on the internet. The first one is the Italian-made version, which can be found here: Collectables - Poor Richards' British Gun Shop - Historical Reproductions The seller says, "This is a genuine Italian Army early M1916 Adrian helmet with the glossy dark green paint."


Here is another example from ebay, which a Czechoslovakian volunteer shield. Link: Italian Adrian Helmet M1915 for Czechoslovak volunteers





I haven't found a source that documents anything definitive about the paint, but I assume it's wartime.