Original Item: On first deployment to North Africa in 1941, Afrikakorps troops were issued with the traditional European sun helmet known as Tropische Kopfbedeckung, of the type known to the British forces as the solar topi (or topee). In the German case, these were made of pith, had prominent ventilation holes in the crown, were khaki in color and bore two metal shields on the right the national colors and on the left the German eagle. There were several models made, with the first model like this having cotton outer covering made of fabric panels sewn together.

This is an excellent example of a Luftwaffe Tropical Sun Helmet, possibly one of the best we have ever seen, and it even comes with a great set of mountain trooper style tinted sun goggles. These helmets were often doused with water to increase the ability of the helmet to keep the wearer cool, however we do not see any evidence that this example had that happen. All of the components are still present, and the original khaki cloth covering is fully intact and retains its original color, showing just a few areas of staining and tearing from use and storage. The helmet band is in very good condition, and still hides the liner split pins and seam well. The natural leather rim trim is complete with fully intact stitching and the leather chinstrap is still present and in very good shape, with no cracking or tearing. Really some great leather components on this helmet.

The interior of the helmet still has the original red cotton covering intact, showing some dust and soiling, and the underside of the brim is covered with lovely olive green fabric. The natural leather sweatband is in excellent condition, and the underside still has the complete maker information legible:-

C. POSE
WEHRAUSRÜSTINGEN
BERLIN O 34
Boxhagener Straße 16
1940

Next to this marking there is also a size 54 marking, and there is even a maker logo embossed on the surface of the sweatband. C. Pose, Defense Equipment, is a known maker of sun helmets, shakos, and other lightweight headgear during the war. The fitting for the top vent is also marked C. POSE WEHRAUSRÜSTINGEN / BERLIN.

The metal badges are totally genuine and are the earliest pattern designs. The Luftwaffe "Eagle in Flight" badge is plated magnetic cast iron, and still retains almost all of the original plating. The brass alloy Tri-Color shield still retains the original black and red painted panels, with the rest displaying oxidation with traces of the original silvering. Both are still firmly attached to the helmet. The included sun goggles are Mountain Trooper style with tinted lenses and vented aluminum surrounds. The strap is a bit stretched out from being put around the helmet.

This excellent example will make a great addition to any German WWII Afrikakorps collection. Ready to display!