Original German WWII 1941 First Model DAK Afrikakorps Sun Helmet with Army Badges Original Items

Original Item: On first deployment to North Africa in 1941, Afrikakorps infantry were issued with the traditional European sun helmet known as Tropische Kopfbedeckung, 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 sewn together.

This particular example is in very good condition, with all components intact. The original khaki cloth covering is intact and retains its original color well. The helmet band, is in excellent condition, and still completely hides the liner rivets. The chin strap is intact, though a bit dried out, and retains almost all of the original grey finish. The leather rim is intact, with a couple minor small scuffs and retains the original grey finish. 

The interior of the helmet still has the original red cotton covering intact, and it only has minimal fading and staining. The liner itself is in very good condition, with the leather still supple. The felt padding and fiber band are still in excellent condition, with almost no signs of age. The underside of the leather sweatband is marked with size 56. The red lining is nicely ink stamped:

Metal badges are totally genuine and are in excellent condition with minimal wear. They both appear to be made of aluminum or brass, we have not removed them to verify.

This will make a great addition to any German WW2 Afrikakorps collection.