The French Model 1926 was the general use steel combat helmet during WWII with over 3.5 million manufactured and distributed after 1936. It improved upon the French Model 1922 with the addition of a redesigned liner system.¹ French designers used hardened manganese steel for the shell of the Model 1926. The shell was pressed from a 0.9 mm solid sheet and after a comb was attached to the top. This process resulted in serious structural improvements over the four piece Model 1915 Adrian. ² The improvements to the liner were also considerable. An improved leather suspension system allowed the helmet to sit more comfortably. A metal rim held the liner in place. This rim was attached to the shell with eight separate bolts in groups of two on the front, rear, left and right of the helmet.³ The exterior of the helmet was painted in three different colors: khaki, green khaki, and field blue. Front emblems, representing regiments, ranks and service branches, were attached to the front of each helmet. Manufactures first used surplus emblems from WWI but in 1937 standardized circular emblems became regulation.⁴

Garment Type: Infantry Helmet

Year Made: 1926