{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-1942-dated-first-model-dak-afrikakorps-sun-helmet-by-g-a-h-helmfabrik-with-ultrasin-goggles-size-54","title":"Original German WWII 1942 Dated First Model DAK Afrikakorps Sun Helmet by G.A.H. Helmfabrik with Ultrasin Goggles - Size 54","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. On first deployment to North Africa in 1941, Afrikakorps infantry were issued with the traditional European sun helmet known as \u003cem\u003eTropische Kopfbedeckung\u003c\/em\u003e (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 model like this having cotton outer covering made of fabric panels sewn together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular example is in good service-used condition, with most parts present and intact. This example definitely looks to have seen service, showing staining and wear, with the top somewhat caved in. These were often doused with water to increase the cooling ability, which could cause this kind of deformation. The original khaki cloth covering is intact, and does retain the color well, though there is definitely staining around the top and edges, as well as fading from the sun. 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 only about 3 inches still present on the right side. The leather trim around the edge is brown in color, and does show wear and damage, with heavy splitting and cracks around the entire edge. The color is also heavily faded, and there looks to be dry-rot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe underside of the brim is the correct green cotton material, now faded from age. The liner itself is in fair condition, and appears detached, as the cotter pins have been removed. The liner is only staying in the helmet via small metal loops that the liner catches onto. There is heavy wear and fading to the leather. It has a lovely natural leather finish on the inside, and the leather is still soft and supple. The underside is marked with a rectangular maker logo showing an \u003cstrong\u003eAfrikorps pith helmet\u003c\/strong\u003e on the left, and \u003cstrong\u003eG.A.H. \/ Helmfabrik\u003c\/strong\u003e on the right, with the date \u003cstrong\u003e1942\u003c\/strong\u003e in a box at the side. There is also a size \u003cstrong\u003e54\u003c\/strong\u003e stamped nearby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe interior dome of the helmet still has the original red cotton covering intact and in good shape, showing staining and dust from storage and age. The badges on this example are original, and the eagle badge is the very early issue plated and painted brass type, retained by three prongs on the interior. The tri-color badge is the later aluminum. The shield badge retains all three prongs, but the eagle badge is missing the bottom prong. Both retain most of their paint, but the eagle badge has a bit more wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso included is a lovely pair of \"Ultrasin\" leather goggles in brown with a brown strap, most likely made by the company Nitsche and Gunther. These look to be one of the moderately tinted types, probably around 40% or 50%, and 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 fair condition, with intact but stretched-out elastic, and show soiling from use, with a bit of oxidation on the fittings and looseness in the eyepieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe German tropical uniform was developed for service in North Africa and other warm weather regions. Although closely associated with the Afrikakorps, tropical sun helmets were also used by German personnel serving in the Mediterranean and southern European theaters. Their lightweight construction made them suitable for protection from the sun, but it also left them vulnerable to moisture, crushing, and deterioration during use and storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example retains a substantial group of original features, including its 1942 dated G.A.H. maker marking, panel constructed khaki covering, red crown lining, both insignia shields, and much of its leather liner. The included Ultrasin goggles add further context to the helmet as a piece of German tropical equipment. The collapsed crown, missing chinstrap, detached liner, deteriorated brim trim, staining, and goggle wear are significant condition factors, but they also document the fragile construction and extensive use associated with surviving first model tropical helmets. The set would be appropriate for a collection centered on the Deutsches Afrikakorps, German tropical uniforms, or North African campaign equipment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45429285978181,"sku":"ONSV26EMC197","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/0FE3B2D1-F9E9-4942-96EF-4D12167D4125.jpg?v=1785510934","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-1942-dated-first-model-dak-afrikakorps-sun-helmet-by-g-a-h-helmfabrik-with-ultrasin-goggles-size-54","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}