{"product_id":"original-belgian-wwii-model-1926-adrian-infantry-helmet-with-belgian-lion-badge-complete-liner-and-chinstrap-size-7","title":"Original Belgian WWII Model 1926 Adrian Infantry Helmet with Belgian Lion Badge, Complete Liner and Chinstrap, Size 7 ¼","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a genuine Belgian Army Model 1926 Adrian infantry helmet retaining its original olive green finish, Belgian lion badge, complete leather liner, and original chinstrap. The helmet is approximately U.S. size 7 ¼, making it a relatively large and especially desirable example. Its strong surviving finish, complete interior, and unmistakable Belgian insignia give it excellent display appeal.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe steel shell retains the majority of its original olive green military paint. The front is fitted with the Belgian lion badge, the distinctive national emblem used on Belgian Army helmets. The badge remains securely mounted and provides an immediate visual distinction from the French and other foreign Adrian helmet patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shell is in very good overall condition and shows only minor dings, scratches, and paint loss consistent with age and military use. Some finish loss is present on both the shell and the aluminum comb, but the majority of the original paint remains intact. The surviving wear gives the helmet an honest service appearance without detracting from its strong overall presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original leather liner remains complete and is in very good used condition. All principal components are retained, including the original adjustment tie string. The leather shows the expected age and wear but remains substantially intact, an important feature since many surviving Belgian helmets are encountered with damaged, incomplete, or replaced liners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original chinstrap is also present. It is now very thin from age and wear and has been placed over the front brim of the helmet. Despite its fragile condition, its survival adds considerably to the completeness and collector appeal of the helmet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Model 1926 Adrian represented an important improvement over the earlier Model 1915 design. The main shell was stamped from a single piece of stronger steel, eliminating the separate joining rim that characterized the earlier helmet. The large ventilation opening beneath the comb, which had created a weak point in the Model 1915, was replaced by a series of smaller ventilation holes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe resulting helmet retained the recognizable Adrian profile while simplifying construction and improving protection. The raised comb remained one of the design’s most distinctive features and helped reinforce the upper portion of the shell while covering the ventilation system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBelgium began producing its own Adrian pattern helmets during the interwar period. Belgian manufactured examples can be distinguished from their French counterparts by differences in the profile of the comb and the broader surrounding brim. The Belgian lion badge further identifies the helmet as intended for service with the Belgian Army.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Model 1926 remained in Belgian service into WWII. Belgian troops entered the war in May 1940 when German forces invaded the country as part of the wider offensive through Western Europe. Helmets of this type were worn during the brief but intense Belgian campaign and continued to appear in military and related service afterward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Adrian design was one of the most influential steel helmet forms of the 20th century. Variations were adopted by numerous countries and organizations, while related patterns also saw use with police, fire brigades, railway guards, and naval forces. Its distinctive crest and broad brim make it instantly recognizable among collectors of European military headgear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a particularly attractive Belgian Model 1926 helmet because it retains the features most often missing from surviving examples: the original lion badge, strong olive green finish, complete leather liner with adjustment string, and original chinstrap. Its relatively large size and honest service wear make it an excellent addition to a Belgian Army, 1940 campaign, Adrian helmet, WWII infantry, or European military headgear collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44676959567941,"sku":"ONJR26JARS62","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR26JARS62.jpg?v=1772125886","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-belgian-wwii-model-1926-adrian-infantry-helmet-with-belgian-lion-badge-complete-liner-and-chinstrap-size-7","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}