Original German WWII Dutch made Afrikakorps DAK Sun Helmet with Badges & Eye Shields 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 (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.

This example is of Dutch manufacture, very similar to the German design, though it is overall a slightly lower profile design, without any top ventilation. It looks to be made from cork, with a fabric covered body and leather trim that is much the same color as that used on the German second model. It also has a puggaree wrapping, seen on many European sun helmet designs, but not used by Germany during WWII. The chin strap also runs around the top of the helmet through a fabric loop, a somewhat interesting design.

The helmet is in very good service used example, with the original color a bit faded and stained from the sun and use. It was common to douse these helmets with water to help increase their cooling ability. Structurally the helmet is mostly solid, with areas around the brim where the cork body has some internal cracking and crumbling. The chin strap is fully intact and supple, with some light finish wear. The leather edge trim shows more advanced wear, and is completely worn through in areas, allowing the cork body to be seen on the right side. The two aluminum badges are intact and retain most of their original paint.

The interior of the helmet still has the original green covering under the brim mostly intact, with a white lining inside the dome. There are unfortunately not any markings that we can see. The brown leather sweat band is in very good condition, still supple and with no tearing or major wear.

Also included is a lovely pair of “sun and dust” eye shield style goggles, for that classic look! The elastic is still somewhat stretch, and they do not look to have seen much use during the war.

This will make a fantastic addition to any German WWII Afrikakorps collection!