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 dirt, but no moth we can see. The helmet band, which hides the attachment rivets for the chin strap and liner, is in very good condition as well. The leather edge trim is completely missing, with just a bit of leather retained by the stitches. The chin strap is present but missing the end that attaches to the hook. The leather is also in very delicate condition. The two aluminum badges are intact and in very good shape, still retaining their original bright finish with most of the original paint.

The interior of the helmet still has the original green felt covering intact, with color fading and wear. 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 56 with the 1942 date. The red felt inner lining is complete with a nice color, with no tears we can see, though the stitching is popped around a lot of the edge and in the rear.

This definitely looks like a helmet that saw a lot of use during the war, and possibly was soaked with water to help with cooling. Definitely a nice "salty" example that will make a fantastic addition to any German WWII Afrikakorps collection!