Original Item: Only One Available. 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 model like this having cotton outer covering made of fabric panels sewn together.

The pith and fabric construction was lightweight, and permitted ventilation while warding off the sun. Also, it was common for them to be doused in water, as the evaporation effect would cool off the helmet, and therefore the air inside. This however eventually resulted in the helmet becoming soft overall.

This example is in very nice service worn condition, with the rarer olive green canvas used to color it. It also definitely looks to have been doused with water in the past, which has made the body a bit soft and sunken in, as shown in the pictures. All of the components are present, including the chinstrap, which is often broken or missing. The original olive green cloth covering is intact showing some light staining in areas. The helmet band is in ery good condition, and still hides the liner split pins. The leather trim is definitely worm from use, with some areas where small pieces have torn away.

The interior of the helmet still has the original red cotton covering intact, with only minor staining from water and wear. The liner itself is in good condition, though unfortunately it looks to have suffered damage over the years, possibly from a small animal chewing away portions of the leather and the padding underneath. This has removed most of the markings except for a 1941 date, and a possible partial size 56.

The metal badges are genuine and are in excellent condition with a nice finish and patina. They appear to be made from injection molded aluminum, and still retain most of their original finish and paint, with a bit of oxidation on the tri-color shield.

A very nice service worn example that will make a great addition to any German WWII Afrikakorps collection.