Original German WWII 1942 Dated First Model DAK Afrikakorps Sun Helmet by ORL with Ultrasin Goggles – size 55 Original Items

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 particular example is in very nice service used condition, with all parts present and intact. It definitely shows some great period wear, giving it a “broken in” look that is impossible to duplicate. The original khaki cloth covering covering is completely intact, showing a bit of fading in areas, as well as staining from dirt and use. The helmet band, which hides the attachment rivets for the chin strap and liner, is still present and the condition matches the covering. The chin strap is present and complete, though it definitely shows some wear to the finish and dry rot to the leather. The leather trim around the edge is complete with fully intact stitching, showing cracking and wear to the finish.

The underside of the brim is the correct khaki canvas matching the exterior, and is in similar condition, showing some rippling from age and possible water exposure. The interior of the helmet still has the original red cotton covering intact, with only minor  wear. The liner itself is in good condition, with the soft leather sweatband showing some surface dry rot and other age related degradation, particularly around the bottom edge, which is torn through in some areas. The sweatband has embossed with a triangular “wheat” maker logo on the interior with runic style letters O, R. and L, which we have seen on other examples. The underside is maker marked and dated ORL / 1942, and also size marked with 55.

The badges on this example completely original and are the very early issue painted alloy type, retained by three prongs on the interior. Both badges still have all three prongs present, and most of their original paint, with some wear through and age, which shows the base material, brass on the eagle and zinc on the national colors.

Also included is a lovely pair of “Ultrasin” leather goggles in brown with a brown strap, most likely made by the company Nitsche and Gunther. These look to be the 78% tint types, as would be very useful in the desert sun. This type was for the most part general purpose, though not really intended for flight or another type of use that would need a wide field of vision. They are in very good condition, with intact elastic, and show light soiling from use, with a bit of oxidation on the fittings.

A wonderful example that will make a great addition to any German WWII Afrikakorps collection.