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 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.

The 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.

This particular example is in very good service-used condition, with all parts present and intact. These were often doused with water to increase the cooling ability, which could cause deformation of the dome, but that does not look to have happened with this example. The original cloth covering is intact, and is more of an olive green than we usually see, however this is a known variation. The color is well retained, and there is just a bit of overall wear and staining. 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 fully intact, though it is a bit aged, showing some wear to the finish, and it is stretched taut over the longer side brim. The leather trim around the edge is gray green in color, and does show wear and damage, with some wear, splits, and cracks around the entire edge.

The underside of the brim is the correct khaki canvas, and is in similar condition to the exterior. The lining itself is red and is in very good condition, showing light wear and no major staining or age related deterioration. It has a lovely natural leather finish on the inside, and the leather is still soft and supple. On the red lining is a stamped maker’s logo, ITA, over the year of manufacture, 1942. There is a №56 size marking stamped on the underside of the sweatband. The interior dome of the helmet still has the original red cotton covering intact and in excellent condition.

The badges on this example are completely original and are the painted aluminum alloy type, retained by three prongs on the interior. Both badges still have most of their original plating and paint, with some wear through and age, which shows the aluminum alloy base material. Both badges still have all three of their attachment prongs present.

Also included is a lovely pair of clear German WWII eye shield dust goggles, which really add to the look. They are in very good condition, with intact elastic, and a bit of fading to the fabric components.

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