Original Item: 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 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.

This particular example is in very good condition, with all parts present and mostly intact, showing some light period wear at expected. The original olive/khaki felt covering is completely intact, and retains its original color well. The helmet band, which hides the attachment rivets for the chin strap and liner, is in excellent condition as well. The original chin strap is fully intact and supple, though it does some some cracking and wear to the finish, especially on the edges and wear it goes over the helmet's brim. The green leather around the bottom has wear to the finish, and shows some tearing on the rear and on the very front. The two aluminum badges are intact and retain most of their original paint.

The interior of the helmet still has the original green felt covering intact, with just a bit of fading. The leather liner itself is in excellent condition and supple. It is embossed with JHS on the left side, and the underside of the sweatband is marked with size 57 and a 1942 date. There are no post ware export stamps that we can see. The red felt inner lining unfortunately has cracked and torn, apparently from shrinking or some other type of deformation to the felt or shell. However it definitely is still a very nice example.

Also included is a lovely pair of "Ultrasin" leather goggles in blue / gray, most likely made by the company Nitsche and Gunther. These look to be the 78% tint types, 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, with intact elastic.

This will make a fantastic addition to any German WWII Afrikakorps collection!