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 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 good service-used condition, with all parts present and intact, although the chinstrap is showing dry rot. This example definitely looks to have seen service, showing staining and wear, with some very minor rippling in the material. 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 some overall staining from use and dirt. 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 intact, though it is dry-rotted, showing some heavy cracking to the finish, and it is stretched over the front brim with wear at the bends. The leather trim around the edge is brown in color, and is good with some heavy wear and loss.

The underside of the brim is the correct khaki canvas matching the exterior, and is in similar condition, though a bit darker in color due to less fading from the sun. The liner itself 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. The sweatband is stamped MML on the underside for the maker, and the underside is marked 55 for the size, and 43 for the year, 1943. The 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 top vent fitting is well-aged.

The badges on this example are completely original and both the Eagle and tricolor shield badges look to be very early issue plated and painted alloy types. They are retained by two and three prongs on the interior. Both badges still have most of their original plating and paint, with some wear through and age on the eagle and in the colors of the shield

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