Army Afrika Korps Tropical pith helmet.
A nice example of a 1st Pattern Heer Pith Helmet.
These are much harder to find that the more commonly seen 2nd version in dark brown felt
It retains its original shape, with no dents or sagging.
The original tan twill fabric outer covering is very nice , the tan leather chinstrap is completely intact.
Maker stamped on the inside of the leather liner "ITA 1941", size 57.
Helmet show some wear and soiling.
If you are looking for a tropical helmet that was actually used this is it.
History:
The helmet of the Army became one of the most recognisable items of the German soldier in the Second World War, just like the “Pickelhaube”, the spiked helmet, had come to be a symbol associated with the German Imperial Army. However, where the spiked helmet fulfilled more of a ceremonial function, the steel helmet was intended as a practical item for the battlefield, designed to protect and shield its wearer from grenade splinters and other forms of shrapnel.
Helmets will vary in appearance due to production by different factories and subcontractors, and changes in specifications.
The Pith Helmet had been developed for tropical regions and was in use since the days of colonialism. Its main feature was that it was significantly more light in weight than a regular helmet. During the Second World War it was worn by enlisted men and officers of all ranks.
There are two versions of the pith helmet. The first version is covered with a lightweight canvas which is either green or tan in colour. The dome is covered by six pieces of cloth sewn together, with a cloth band at the base to cover the sewn junction. The second version instead has a one-piece seamless cover made of felt.
666 EURO
428 EURO
