Original German WWII First Model DAK Afrikakorps Sun Helmet by ORL with Badges – Service Used 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, though it is more of a faded green color. Judging from the shape and somewhat “puckered” look to the covering, this definitely looks to have been soaked with water during service.

The chin strap is present and complete, though it is a bit stiff. It also is brown leather, and we do not know if the original finish was worn away, or whether it is a wartime replacement. The leather trim around the edge is complete with fully intact stitching, showing cracking and wear to the finish. It does look like there may have been some attempts to “touch up” the finish in a few areas, or it may be the dye having run due to the helmet being soaked in water.

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 is present but definitely worn, and shows evidence of having portions being glued back into place. It is now in delicate condition, showing some past cracking, and we were not able to look under it for markings without risking damage. 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 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 much 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.

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