Original German WWII 1941 Dated First Model DAK Afrikakorps Sun Helmet with Ultrasin Goggles - Size 55

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 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. The chin strap is present and complete and in very good condition, showing only a bit of loss to the finish. The leather trim around the edge is also in good shape, still well retained, with some wear at the edged and cracking to the finish.

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 gold colored top fitting is marked with C. TH. DICKE and D.R.G.M., indicating manufacture by Christian Theodor Dicke of Lüdenscheid, a city with a very large garment accessories industry.

The badges on this example are completely original and have a fantastic broken in patina. The eagle looks to be silvered and painted brass alloy, while the shield could be brass or zinc. The eagle in particular is missing a bit of silvering on the wings, but this just adds to the great look. The shield retains the original finish very well, with just some overall wear. Both badges still have all three prongs present with some wear through and age, which shows the base material.

The liner itself is in very good condition, with the soft leather sweatband showing only light wear, without much fading, and no dry rot or other age related degradation. The underside of the sweatband is faintly maker-marked and dated MM 1941 in black, and there is a clear red 55 size stamp next to this. We unfortunately have not been able to identify this maker.

Also included is a lovely pair of "Ultrasin" leather goggles in brown with a brown strap, most likely made by the company Nitsche and Gunther. These look to be one of the lightly tinted types, probably around 30%, and would be very useful in the desert sun. This type was for the most part general purpose, though not really intended for flight or another type of use that would need a wide field of vision. They are in very good condition, with intact elastic, and show light soiling from use, with a bit of oxidation on the fittings.

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