Italian Model 1915

Elmetto Metallico Leggero 

Kingdom of Italy 

Manufacturer: Unknown. Likely Arsenali de Milano or Arsenali de Napoli.

Conservation Notes
Shell: Original shell of Great War period manufacture in its proper wartime configuration.

Also sometimes referred to as the M16 Adrian or Modello Lippmann, these helmets were used variously until 1933. Acquired with what was probably recently-applied light olive-green paint; no original paint remaining. Overall condition very good; of note was some slight rust scaling/pitting on right-side brim, mostly of the underside. This was sanded, lightly filled and smoothed. The entire shell was then repainted the correct pre-1921 dark grey-green color and the crown-and-horn emblem stenciled in black on the front.

Liner: Absent. Reproduction second-pattern M15 liner and aluminum spacers obtained from source in Ukraine, size “B2” (58).

Chinstrap: Absent. Reproduction leather chinstrap handmade to original specification in Italy.

Stamps/Markings: Official government-issued stencil designating light cavalry regiment (62 mm X 57 mm):

Miscellaneous: This is my "junk" helmet (see Collecting) -but that doesn't stop it from being one of my favorites. The shell hadn't been drilled, which can sometimes be a challenge to find, and the comb had its original welding intact. I had some fun refinishing it and it's such a cool looking helmet that I think it's earned its place in the Gallery -at least until I can locate the right original piece.

For more information on this helmet, please see The Adrian.


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