WW1 French Artillery Adrian Souvenir Helmet Insulated By Soldier With May 1916 Dated Newspaper

One of the best WW1 souvenir plaqued Adrian helmets that I have had the fortune to own this wonderful early piece retains the lighter blue grey factory paint of early M15 Adrian helmets & a first pattern pre 1916 one piece liner. Placed down under the liner is a very old French newspaper which with careful examination bears the date 16th May 1916 & news on Verdun .
With its original crossed cannons badge of Artillery to the front it has its correct WW1 brown leather chinstrap still intact. Helmets of demobilised officers & other ranks were officially decorated with the brass 'Soldat De La Grande Guerre 1914 - 1918'
(Soldier Of The Great War 1914-1918) souvenir plaques as of 16th April 1919 & were issued by the state of France as a recognition of service. Some were named at the soldiers expense however many were not as is the case here. The one piece liner is lined with offcuts of the early red wool trousers predating those of the 1915 Horizon Blue issue. Metal corrugated ventilation strips still present.
A fabulous display piece these WW1 French Adrian helmets are steadily gaining in popularity.

Code: 12634