Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII Heer 2nd Model tropical sun helmet, manufactured by F.ST.L., dated March of 1942, and marked size 56. 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 yellow-tinted goggles is presently fitted to the helmet.

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 having cotton outer covering made of fabric sewn together. This is the second model, with a felt covering.

This particular example is in very good condition, with all parts present, showing light to moderate period wear. The original olive/khaki felt covering is completely intact, and retains its original color well. The shape of the helmet is relatively well retained, with no sinking in the center crown. The helmet band, which hides the attachment rivets for the chin strap and liner, is in very good condition as well. The original chin strap is fully intact, stretched taut over the front brim, with the finish very well retained, and no major cracks or tears. The gray green leather trim around the bottom is present with fully intact stitching, without any tears or splits, a rarity.

The "National Colors" and Heer Eagle badges on this cap both look to be made from painted zinc, which now has faded to a lovely gray patina. The paint on both is in very good shape, showing just a bit of flaking and cracking 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. The leather liner itself is in very good condition, still mostly supple, with staining along the bending edge. The sweatband folds down relatively easily, and we can see a date of 3 - 42 next to a size of 56, and to the right of that is the maker mark F.ST.L., a known but unidentified maker of 2nd model sun helmets. The rigid red felt inner lining is still in great shape, with no cracking or damage we can see.

Also included is a lovely pair of clear German WWII yellow-tinted goggles, which really add to the look. They are in good condition, with a very worn and stretched out elastic band. The fabric mesh has holes in the sides for ventilation.

The combination of the March 1942 date, F.ST.L. maker mark, size 56, intact 2nd Model felt body, surviving Heer and national shields, complete leather chinstrap, preserved edge trim, original liner and red felt support, and yellow-tinted goggles makes this a particularly strong tropical Heer display. Its condition and completeness give it excellent appeal for an Afrikakorps or broader German WWII collection.