Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive German WWII second model tropical sun helmet, or Tropenhelm, dated 1942 and marked Ebr., complete with its original Heer insignia, chinstrap, size 55cm leather liner, and a pair of clear wartime eye shields. The olive khaki felt exterior, gray green leather trim, red felt interior, and metal national insignia are all characteristic of the later felt covered tropical helmet pattern associated with German forces serving in North Africa and other hot climate theaters.

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 layered 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 having cotton outer covering made of fabric sewn together. This is the second model, with a felt covering and gray / green leather trim.

This particular example is in good condition with all parts present, showing light to moderate overall wear. The original olive/khaki felt covering is mostly intact, and retains its original color well. The shape of the helmet is relatively well retained, though there is rippling to the top of the helmet, possibly from water exposure. This feels like small dents on the top. The helmet band, which hides the attachment rivets for the chin strap and liner, is in very good condition and in the correct place. The original chinstrap is still present and fully intact, stowed across the front brim o the cap. The leather trim around the brim is fully intact as well, with no tears or major damage.

The "National Colors" and Heer Eagle badges on this cap both look to be made from early silvered and painted brass alloy, which now show some wear through and light patination. The paint and plating on both is in very good shape, and the badges are still well attached to the helmet.

The interior of the helmet still has the original green cotton covering under the brim intact, with just a bit of fading and soiling from use. The leather liner itself is in very good condition. still retaining the original natural color well, and showing only light use, with no tearing, dry rot, or other damage. The underside of the leather has a very faintly stamped Ebr. 1942 - 55 cm marking with the size numbers painted in, and also has a black ink Ebr. 1942 stamp below this. The rigid red felt inner lining is in excellent condition, showing no tearing or other damage. 

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 strong elastic and only a bit of color fading.

Overall, this is a very appealing and substantially complete 1942 dated second model German tropical sun helmet. The strong original felt covering, intact gray green leather trim, complete chinstrap, both metal Heer shields, clean size 55cm liner, red felt interior, and accompanying clear eye shields give it excellent display presence. The crown rippling, light dents, minor fading, and normal service wear are all fully disclosed, while the helmet remains an especially attractive example for a DAK, tropical uniform, or German WWII headgear collection.