Original Item: Only One Available. On first deployment to North Africa in 1941, Afrikakorps infantry were issued with the traditional European sun helmet known as Tropische Kopfbedeckung (Tropical headgear), of the type known to the British forces as the solar topi (or topee). In the German case, these were made of cork, 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.

The cork and fabric construction was lightweight, and permitted ventilation while warding off the sun. Also, it was common for them to be doused in water, as the evaporation effect would cool off the helmet, and therefore the air inside. This however eventually resulted in the helmet becoming soft overall.

This particular example is in very nice service-used condition, with most parts present and intact. It definitely shows some great period wear, giving it a "broken in" look that is impossible to duplicate. The original khaki cloth covering is completely intact, showing a bit of fading in areas, as well as staining from dirt and use. The helmet band, which hides the attachment rivets for the chin strap and liner, is still present and the condition matches the covering. The chinstrap is mostly missing, with just a remnant of the right side still attached, which is in very delicate condition. The leather trim around the edge is also in good shape, still well retained, with some wear at the edged and cracking to the finish. There is a missing section about 2 inches long at the front, which shows the layered corn sheet construction well.

The underside of the brim is the correct khaki canvas matching the exterior, and is in similar condition, showing some staining from age and possible water exposure. The interior of the helmet still has the original red cotton covering intact, with only minor wear. The liner itself is in very good condition, with the soft leather sweatband showing only light wear, without much fading, and no dry rot or other age related degradation. It is embossed with JHS for maker J.H. Soffel, and the underside of the beautiful supple sweatband is marked size 54 with a 1941 date.

The badges on this example are completely original and have a fantastic broken in patina. The eagle looks to be silvered and painted zinc alloy, while the shield is painted zinc, without any silvering. The eagle in particular is missing a bit of silvering on the wings, but this just adds to the great look. The shield retains the original finish very well, with just some overall wear and flaking to the paint. Both badges still have all three prongs present with some wear through and age, which shows the base material.

The included pair of "Ultrasin" leather goggles are blue / gray with a blue strap, most likely made by the company Nitsche and Gunther. They are most likely the 75% tint type, as would be very useful in the desert sun. This type was for the most part general purpose, though not really intended for flight or another type of use that would need a wide field of vision. They are in very good condition and remain undamaged, though as we often see the elastic has lost its stretchiness.

A wonderful example that will make a great addition to any German WWII Afrikakorps collection.