Original Item: Only One Available. Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very good service-worn original German WWII first-model Heer Tropenhelm, or tropical sun helmet, manufactured in Size 56 by R. & M. Wegener and dated 1942. The helmet retains its original khaki cloth covering, both early painted brass national shields, complete chinstrap, interior red cloth covering, leather sweatband, and maker, date, and size markings. Its extensive fading, staining, edge wear, and age-related deterioration give it the appearance of a genuinely used tropical helmet while leaving the principal components substantially intact.

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 nice service-used condition, with all parts present and intact, though heavily worn. It definitely shows some great period wear, giving it a "broken in" look that is impossible to duplicate. The original khaki cloth covering is completely intact, showing heavy fading in areas, as well as staining from dirt and use. The helmet band, which hides the attachment rivets for the chin strap and liner, is still present and the condition matches the covering, though it is more stretched out. Judging from the shape and somewhat "puckered" look to the covering, this definitely looks to have been soaked with water during service, but thankfully it is not sunken at all like we normally see.

The chin strap is present and complete, though it is a bit stiff with cracking. The gray color is mostly retained with areas of wear, and it is stretched taut over the brim. The leather trim around the edge is heavily worn away with most of the base material still intact, but there are areas of cracking and loss, so please exercise caution when handling it. 

The underside of the brim is the correct khaki canvas matching the exterior, and is in similar condition, showing some rippling from age and possible water exposure. The interior of the helmet still has the original red cotton covering intact, with some wear on the metal ring. The liner is present but definitely worn, with staining and minor areas of dry rot. It is now in delicate condition, showing some past cracking. The underside of the sweatband is stamped with the logo for R. & M. WEGENER next to the date of construction, 1942, and the size, 56. Wagener is one of the more difficult makers to find, and this is actually the first example we have had by them!

On the sweatband is an MADE IN GERMANY stamp that was crossed out. This is not an indication of post war export or manufacture, and were added as required by post 1891 manufacture laws,.

The badges on this example are completely original and are the very early issue painted brass type, retained by three prongs on the interior. Both badges still have all three prongs present, and much of their original paint, though there is heavy wear through and age, which shows the brass base material. The eagle badge has much more paint retained.

This is a particularly appealing first-model Tropenhelm because its heavily worn exterior still retains the features that define the pattern: the panel-constructed khaki cloth covering, original crown band, early painted metal shields, complete chinstrap, red interior lining, leather sweatband, and clear R. & M. WEGENER / 1942 / 56 markings. The fragile brim trim, stiff chinstrap, worn liner, staining, and scuffed cloth are the principal condition considerations, while the helmet’s overall shape and original configuration remain very well preserved.