WW1 French 'Armee D'Afrique' Colonial Adrian Helmet

An early 'Armee D'Afrique' (Army of Africa) Adrian helmet of Colonial Troops with its original blue factory paint on underside. The mustard colour of these helmets was to match the colour of their uniforms & first issues of the helmet were mustard painted over the factory blue when received as is the case here . As the war progressed they were then mustard painted directly at the factory during manufacture & so this example is one of the very first African Army issues. A heavily worn combat helmet the original blue is visible through the chips & scuffs of the outer paint which is thickly hand applied with a brush. All fititngs are still firm & intact with the early first model one piece liner & its corrugated ventilation strips still in place. With its original brown leather chinstrap this has a small tear to the leather at one end . Uncleaned & dusty this helmet has not been touched since it was recently discovered one misty morning in France.