Original German WWII First Model Luftwaffe DAK Afrikakorps Green Tropical Sun Helmet With Goggles – Size 58 Original Items

Original Item: On first deployment to North Africa in 1941, Afrikakorps troops 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 panels sewn together.

This example is in excellent condition, with all components present, including the often missing chin strap and badges. The original rare olive green (most were khaki) cloth covering is intact and retains its original color. The helmet band is in very good condition, and still completely hides the liner split pins. The leather rim is completely intact, though there is wear around almost the entire edge, which has worn off some of the original finish.

The interior of the helmet still has the original red cotton covering intact, and it still has a vibrant color. The liner itself is in very good condition, with the leather still supple. The felt padding and fiber band are still in excellent condition, with almost no signs of age. The sweatband is size stamped 58

On the underside of the sweatband is an ink stamped RB Number which indicates the manufacturer but is too worn to be read. It is also marked with size 58. The metal badges are totally genuine and are in very good condition with a great finish, and very little wear. They appear to be made of aluminum.

Goggles are in the standard teardrop design, with aviator-style clear glass lenses, Luftwaffe gray 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 PW and 43 (Philip M. Winter of Fürth) 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. Minor scattered paint chipping on the frames, oxidation evident on the nose bridge, the rubber still pliable and in excellent condition. Near extremely fine overall condition.

This will make a great addition to any German WWII Afrikakorps collection.