Original Italian WWII North African Campaign Bersaglieri Officer’s M1928 Tropical Sun Pith Helmet with Plume

Original Item: Only One available. This is an excellent example of an Italian model 1928 tropical sun helmet (first version pre-WW2) worn by a member of the Bersaglieri. Overall a hard to find example of a helmet used extensively during the North African campaign by an Italian officer who most probably came under the command of Rommel's Afrika Korps. This example is offered in good condition, with Bersaglieri plate and complete liner. The chinstrap and wire mesh vents are missing on this example. There is an ink stamp on the green fabric inner lining indicating size 56.

The helmet plate is applied with the original prong and appears original to the helmet, as does the plume. The sweatband is intact but will tear if you attempt to look behind it, so exercise caution. The cork spacers are intact.

A great example, ready for further research and display.

The Bersaglieri are a corps of the Italian Army originally created by General Alessandro La Marmora on 18 June 1836 to serve in the Army of the Kingdom of Sardinia, later to become the Royal Italian Army. They have always been a high-mobility light infantry unit, and can still be recognized by the distinctive wide brimmed hat that they wear (only in dress uniform in modern times), decorated with black capercaillie feathers. The feathers are usually applied to their combat helmets. Another distinctive trait of the Bersaglieri is the fast jog pace they keep on parades, instead of marching. Italy began the Second World War with 12 Bersaglieri regiments of three battalions each. Over the preceding years the Army had resisted suggestions to dilute their quality, and recruits continued to be of above-average size and stamina, endured intense physical training and had to qualify as marksmen.