Original German WWII First Model DAK Luftwaffe Tropical Sun Helmet with Goggles – Size 56 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. On the first deployment to North Africa in 1941, Afrika Korps 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 wonderful condition with complete leather trim and liner. The original khaki cloth covering shows age and wear but retains its original color well. The helmet band, which hides the attachment rivets for the chin strap and liner, is in good condition. The chin strap is complete with all fittings present.

The interior of the helmet still has the original red cotton covering intact, as does the corrugated metal spacer for the lining. The liner itself is in very good condition and is stamped 56 in black on the inside of the sweat band. The red felt inner lining is in very good condition.

Metal badges are totally genuine and show minor wear. The early droop tail eagle pin is crisp and the original as mounted to the helmet.

Googles in the standard teardrop design, with aviator-style clear glass lenses, Luftwaffe grey painted aluminum frames with rubber eye sockets, each of the eye sockets stitched to the framework of the googles, each of the frames have five ventilation vents along the top and bottom edges, the frames linked together by an aluminum nose bridge with a single screw fit adjustment, maker marked SuG and 59 on the front of the nose bridge, ribbed olive green elasticized headband strap with sliding metal fit adjustment buckle, elongated loops with hooks attaching the headband to the frames on either side, the googles themselves attached to the frames by small metal clips which also act as locking clips to secure the lenses in the frames.

This will make a great addition to any German WW2 Afrika Korps collection!