WW1 French 'Special Artillery' Tankers Adrian Helmet

A rare WW1 Adrian helmet converted for use by Armoured Vehicle troops known as ' Special Artillery'.
When France first started using Armoured vehicles in the latter WW1 period they acknowledged that a steel helmet would be required by the crews if engaged in combat outside the tank. A specific helmet did not actually enter service until 1919 however tank units were already making modifications to their Adrian helmets by removal of the front visor at unit workshop level. There was no standardisation of this conversion & so examples can be seen in period photographs with & without brow pads in various forms.
This fabulous piece is an example of such a helmet with the Artillery branch badge to front of which the Special Artillery were a part. Interior has second pattern multi construction liner with chinstrap secured to rear neckguard. Much of its original factory blue paint is still remaining.

Code: 13106