72. Romanian military helmet, Adrian model, with King Ferdinand's cipher, circa 1917-1919, used in World War I

Following the campaign of 1916, during which the Royal Army of Romania suffered significant losses both in personnel and in equipment, a broad process of reorganization and logistical modernization was initiated, benefiting from French support through the mission led by General Berthelot. However, the equipment provided by the allies took a long and difficult route to reach Moldova, being transported by sea, on the Polar Circle route, and then by the Trans-Siberian railway. For this reason, although 200,000 Adrian helmets had been ordered, only 90,000 arrived in Romania, which began to be distributed to the troops starting in January 1917. Due to severe helmet shortages, the decision was made to use Adrian helmets captured in confrontations with Bolshevik troops as well. Thus, the Romanian army was equipped with two variants of Adrian helmets: those in blue-horizon color, provided by the French mission, and those in brown color, taken from war captures. In both cases, helmets were personalized by applying the royal cipher of King Ferdinand. The helmet was restored both inside and outside.

Dimensions

depth 16 cm, width 20 cm, height 29 cm

Description

steel, leather, textile material

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