{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-heer-2nd-model-tropical-sun-helmet-by-j-h-soffel-with-goggles-1942-dated-service-worn","title":"Original German WWII Heer 2nd Model Tropical Sun Helmet by J.H. Soffel with Goggles, 1942 Dated, Service Worn","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII Heer 2nd Model tropical sun helmet, manufactured by J.H. Soffel, dated \u003cstrong\u003e1942\u003c\/strong\u003e, and marked size \u003cstrong\u003e54\u003c\/strong\u003e. The helmet retains its olive-khaki felt exterior, national and Heer metal shields, leather chinstrap, green felt underside, leather liner, red felt interior support, and complete upper vent assembly. A heavily worn pair of goggles is presently fitted to the helmet. Condition is rough overall, with the most serious issue being the almost complete loss of the leather edge trim, which has left the internal wire stiffener loose and exposed around much of the brim.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGerman troops serving in tropical climates were issued the \u003cem\u003eTropische Kopfbedeckung\u003c\/em\u003e (Tropical headgear), commonly known in English as a sun helmet, pith helmet, or various other terms. The 2nd Model is distinguished by its felt covered exterior, replacing the multi-piece cloth covering associated with the earlier pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe olive khaki felt exterior remains intact and retains its original color well. The helmet band, which conceals the attachment points for the chinstrap and liner, is also in very good condition. The original gray-painted leather chinstrap remains complete. It shows expected cracking and wear where it bends over the brim but is still intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe gray leather edge trim is almost entirely gone, broken apart with the wire stiffener now loose and visible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet carries two metal shields. The right side bears the national tricolor shield, while the left side carries the closed-wing Heer eagle shield. Both shields retain their painted finish very well and remain firmly attached. They appear to be constructed from aluminum or possibly an aluminized zinc alloy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe underside retains its original green felt covering. The felt shows moth tracking through the surface nap over a substantial area. The natural leather liner remains in excellent condition. It is supple, retains an attractive light leather color, and shows no major tearing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe liner is embossed with \u003cstrong\u003eJHS\u003c\/strong\u003e. This marking identifies \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ.H. Soffel\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e as the manufacturer, a known maker of these helmets, with many examples previously handled. The underside of the sweatband is marked \u003cstrong\u003e54 - 1942\u003c\/strong\u003e. These markings indicate the stated size and date of manufacture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe helmet is fitted with a very worn set of goggles with a now very cracked rubber backpiece. The eyepieces are now heavily corroded with residue making them difficult to see through. Their look matches the heavily worn look of the helmet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rigid red felt interior lining remains fully intact. The upper vent fitting is also complete, though the metal surfaces show oxidation. Overall condition is fair but the loose wire stiffener is the primary condition issue. The helmet remains mostly complete and shows moderate period wear to the exterior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, this is a rough but substantially complete example of a 1942-dated Heer 2nd Model tropical sun helmet. The original felt covering, side shields, chinstrap, green underside, red interior support, leather liner, vent assembly, and JHS \/ 54 - 1942 markings all remain present. The almost completely deteriorated edge trim and exposed wire stiffener are the primary structural concerns, while the moth tracking, oxidized vent hardware, worn chinstrap, and heavily deteriorated goggles contribute to its distinctly service-used appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45547587862597,"sku":"ONSV26CC059","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/28CBB6E9-DCD4-458E-AF4D-67210966D765.jpg?v=1786736004","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-heer-2nd-model-tropical-sun-helmet-by-j-h-soffel-with-goggles-1942-dated-service-worn","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}