Original German WWII 1940 Dated First Model Luftwaffe DAK Afrikakorps Tropical Sun Helmet by C. Pose - Size 56

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 lovely "salty" service used condition, and looks to have been exposed to water several times. These helmets were often doused with water, which increases the ability of the helmet to keep the wearer cool. It is now no longer round anymore, and the entire brim now shows wrinkling and deformation to the inner cork layers, as well as staining to the canvas outer covering. All of the components are still present except for the screw in cover for the top vent, which was lost at some point over the past 80+ years. The original khaki cloth covering is intact and retains its original color, with fading in areas from wear. The helmet band is in very good condition, and still hides the liner split pins and seam well. The natural leather rim is complete with fully intact stitching, though it has become stained and shrunk, resulting in a lot of small cracks around the circumference. The leather chinstrap is still present, and in very good shape, with no cracking or tearing.

The interior of the helmet still has the original red cotton covering intact, showing a vibrant red color for the most part, though there is staining from water towards the rear. The top vent cover on this helmet is missing, however the interior fitting is still present, and marked as follows:

C. POSE WEHRAUSRÜSTINGEN

BERLIN

C. Pose, Defense Equipment, is a known maker of sun helmets, shakos, and other lightweight headgear during the war. The leather liner is still partly present, showing staining on one side, while the other is missing a significant amount of leather, which looks to have been eaten way, most likely by rodents while in long storage. We checked under the leather sweatband, and we can see a faded marking for C. POSE, as well as a 1940 date and size mark of 56.

The metal badges are totally genuine and are the earliest pattern brass alloy, while later examples would use zinc or aluminum. The Luftwaffe "Eagle in Flight" badge has lost the original silvering, and now has a lovely aged brass patina, while the Tri-Color shield still retains the original black and red painted panels, with the rest displaying oxidation with traces of the original silvering. Both are still firmly attached to the helmet.

This lovely "salty" example will make a great addition to any German WWII Afrikakorps collection. Ready to display!