M31 Adrian helmet - Garde Wallone

M31 Adrian helmet with Garde Wallone decal on the front. This was on organisation which collaborated with the German occupier during WW2. At first they were tasked with guarding strategic position like railway stations but later in the war they also assisted with the search for saboteurs and resistance.

After the war many of these helmets were refitted with the Belgian lion badge on the front, painted black and the used by the gendarmerie up until the 60's. That's also the case with this one as indicated by the number painted on the inside.

Certainly not in the best condition with the brim and liner missing and the paintwork has seen better days, but still a rare helmet. Found at a small brocante market between some junk this one has never been in a collectors hands...