Paris firefighters' helmet, model of October 5, 1933, 5th Republic

Paris firefighters' helmet, October 5, 1933, Fifth Republic. The helmet has a slightly trapezoidal shape and is made of nickel-chromium stainless steel. The brass rim, folded to straddle the outer edge of the visor and neck cover, bears the markings of the manufacturer Bernard FRANCK et Fils in Aubervilliers, as well as the serial numbers "7657" and "01302". The front of the crest features a flat plate with a brass flaming bomb. The faceplate features a shield bearing the coat of arms of the City of Paris, surmounted by a crown, surrounded by oak and laurel branches, and surmounted by a ribbon bearing the inscription "FLUCTUAT NEC MERGITUR". The chinstrap is in black leather, as is the cap, cut into six wolf's teeth.

The overall condition of this helmet is quite good, although there are a few dents on the bomb and the cap is worn.

- 1933 firefighters' helmet

In the early 1930s, the military firefighters of Paris expressed the need for a more protective helmet than the 1895 model they were equipped with. The French army had just upgraded the 1915 Adrian helmet to the more resistant one-piece 1926 model, with the addition of a crest and a nameplate.

In 1931, Colonel Pouderoux, commander of the Paris Fire Brigade Regiment from 1925 to 1933, initiated a study in this direction, led by Bernard FRANCK & Fils, who had already supplied the 1895 model. Bernard FRANCK & Fils drew heavily on the study carried out for the army helmet in 1915, and in January 1932 proposed a new model, close to the Adrian helmet of the general army model, and four times stronger than the 1895 model.

Bernard FRANCK et Fils is a renowned manufacturer based in Aubervilliers, specializing in protective equipment for the military and emergency services. Founded at the beginning of the 20th century, the company has earned a solid reputation for the quality and durability of its products. In particular, the company has contributed to innovation in the field of protective helmets, meeting the growing safety requirements of firefighters and military personnel.

Ref: LNOR3XLL0R