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, 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 having cotton outer covering made of fabric sewn together. This is the second model, with a felt covering on the outside, including on the top vent.

This particular example is in very good condition, with just a bit of wear, though as with many we see the top is caved in a bit, probably from storage and/or moisture exposure over a long time. The original olive/khaki felt covering is intact and has a great color. The helmet band, which hides the attachment rivets for the chin strap and liner, is in good condition as well, and matches color perfectly. The original leather chin strap is intact and supple, with just a bit of finish wear. The leather trim is in good condition with light wear overall. The two brass badges are intact and retain much of their original paint, though both definitely have wear, exposing the brass base metal.

The interior of the helmet still has the original olive green felt lining in the crown intact, as well as the green cotton on the brim. The liner itself is in very good lightly used condition and supple. It is embossed with with a manufacturer logo that is a triangle with what looks to be a wheat or rye fruiting body, and is surrounded by angular letters O, R, and W at the points. The underside of the sweatband is marked with ORW / 1941 date and size No 57. We have tried to identify this maker, but have so far been unsuccessful.

The red felt inner lining is almost complete, with a few small holes/tears, with all inner stitching intact. The bottom of the vent retainer is marked D.R.G.M / P.C. TURCKE Ww., indicating P. C. Turcke WWe. of Lüdenscheid, a known maker of clothing accessories such as buttons, belt buckles, etc. The DRGM indicates that the name was registered with the German trademark office.

A great example of a WWII-dated pith helmet in very good condition, with just a bit of service wear. This will make a fantastic addition to any German WWII Afrikakorps collection