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 Headwear), 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 sewn together.

This particular example is in wonderful condition, and is an extremely rare Kriegsmarine issued example, as indicated by the gold colored national eagle on the left side of the helmet. These are quite scarce, and we have only had a handful prior to this. It comes with complete original leather trim and liner, and like Luftwaffe examples, the leather is brown colored, not green. The original khaki cloth covering shows very little in the way of age or wear, and retains its original color beautifully. The helmet band, which hides the attachment rivets for the chin strap and liner, is in excellent condition. The chin strap is complete with all of the brass fittings present. The leather does show some wear, but is still solid. The top of the helmet does not show any "cave in" at all, which we very rarely see!

The interior of the helmet still has the original dark olive green cotton covering intact, which matches the underside of the brim The liner itself is in excellent condition, with the leather complete and supple, with minimal wear and no real signs of age. The under side is marked with the size 57, but we cannot see any other markings, either on the liner or the top fitting.

Metal badges are totally genuine and show minor wear, being retained by bent metal tabs. There is no evidence that these were added to the helmet later, or that there were ever other types of badges installed. They are flat without the raised borders seen on Heer Army examples, which is correct. They are really in great shape, and present beautifully.

This will make a great addition to any German WWII Africa Campaign or Kriegsmarine collection. Ready to display!