Original German WWII First Model DAK Kriegsmarine Sun Pith Helmet in size 56 – dated 1941 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. On their first deployment to North Africa in 1941, Afrikakorps infantry were issued with the traditional European sun helmet known as Tropische Kopfbedeckung (Tropical Headwear), 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 service used condition, and is an extremely rare Kriegsmarine issued example, as indicated by the gold colored national eagle on the left side of the helmet. These are quite scarce, and we rarely get these in. The top on this helmet is somewhat caved in, which can happen over time if the internal material softens over time. IT was also somewhat common to pour water on the top of the helmet to help cool it off, so that may have happened as well.

It comes with original leather trim and liner, and like Luftwaffe examples, the leather is brown colored, not green. The original khaki cloth covering shows only light wear, and retains its original color well. The helmet band, which hides the attachment rivets for the chin strap and liner, is in very good condition. The chin strap is present and fully intact, though it is stretched over the front of the helmet, and we have not attempted to remove it. The leather edge trim is stained, and partly torn through in areas on the front.

The interior of the helmet still has the original brown green cotton covering intact, which matches the underside of the brim. The liner itself is in very good condition, with the leather complete and supple, with minimal wear. On the underside of the sweat band it is ink stamped with size 56., along with date [1]941. Between this is a maker mark, however it is relatively faint and unclear, so we cannot make out what it says.

The top fitting for the helmet vent is marked D.R.G.M. / C. TH. DICKE, meaning it is a patented design manufactured by Christian Theodor Dicke, of Lüdenscheid, a German city which had a large number of companies who made buckles, buttons, and other clothing items.

Metal badges are totally genuine and show minor wear, being retained by bent metal tabs. There is no evidence that these were added to the helmet later, or that there were ever other types of badges installed. They are really in great shape, and present beautifully.

This will make a great addition to any German WWII Africa Campaign or Kriegsmarine collection. Ready to display!