Item Description
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 having cotton outer covering made of fabric sewn together. This is the second model, with a felt covering.
This particular example is in good service worn condition, with most parts intact and in nice shape, with wear in areas indicative of service in the field. The original olive/khaki felt covering is completely intact, and retains its original color well. It does however have some stains and light moth. The helmet band, which hides the attachment rivets for the chin strap and liner, is in good condition as well, with just a bit of moth. The leather edge trim is very worn and almost completely gone, with only about 1 inch left on the rim. The chin strap is almost completely missing, with just a bit on one end near the attachment point. The two aluminum badges are intact and retain most of their original paint, with the expected paint flaking from service.
The interior of the helmet still has the original green felt covering intact, with color fading and some mothing. The liner itself is in good condition, with light sweat staining from use, and all of the attachment cotter pins are still present. It is embossed with JHS and the underside of the sweatband is marked size 55 with the 1942 date. The red felt inner lining is complete with a nice color, with no tears we can see.
Judging from the use and wear patterns, it looks like this helmet was not worn much, but did get carried around a lot, resulting in the wear to the brim and loss of the chin strap.
This will make a fantastic addition to any German WWII Afrikakorps collection!
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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