Apache-8 Posted June 24, 2021 Share #1 Posted June 24, 2021 Hello there. I recently acquired this M15 helmet that I had a couple of questions about. firstly it features an ink stamp A3 right next to the vent hole in the top. Does anyone know what this is for? And secondly are there any ways to try and determine the year of manufacture beyond the colour of paint, as in my research I have struggled to find anything to determine the period of manufacturing outside of the paint which I've heard can be very inconsistent. any help is greatly appreciated - Apache-8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themick Posted June 25, 2021 Share #2 Posted June 25, 2021 Your helmet is an early one, made before June of 1916. These helmet first came out in mid-1915. The color of paint is important here as it appears it was originally painted the lighter horizon blue (evidenced on yours by a scrape in the front visor where it shows through, and in the crown of the interior where the A3 is.) In June 1916 the helmets were manufactured used the darker color, and the existing ones with the horizon blue were painted over with a brush, as yours is. Also important is that yours has the first model liner, which was put in the helmet until the last part of 1915 when the second model liner began being used. Check the article I posted on the other thread for details about the liner. Your helmet would not have been of the first run since it is riveted on the sides. So, I would argue your helmet was made between the end of 1915 and early 1916. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croix de Guerre Posted June 25, 2021 Share #3 Posted June 25, 2021 A quick check shows that there were 151 guys in the French army with the last name "Richer". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apache-8 Posted June 27, 2021 Author Share #4 Posted June 27, 2021 Thank you for all the information Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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