Original Item: On first deployment to North Africa in 1941, Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) 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, 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 having cotton outer covering made of six fabric panels sewn together.

However, we quickly noticed that this example has four panels on the outside, instead of six, and the prominent ventilation holes in the crown were missing. A closer look shows that while this was indeed used by the DAK Luftwaffe, it was in fact made in France before the fall to the Germans, and then was pressed into service. It still has all components present, including the often missing chinstrap and badges. The original khaki cloth covering is intact and retains its original color. The helmet band, is in very good condition, and still hides the liner split pins. The rim is cloth, not leather like the German type. The chinstrap shows some age and cracking, but is still complete.

The interior of the helmet is still in good condition, though unlike the German issue, the brim is lined with navy blue, and inside the crown it is black. Inside there is a round manufacturer stamp, with the date 2 / 39 in the center, over the French city of MARSEILLE. This is a port city on the Southern Coast of France, and is exactly where a German Soldier might have embarked for the voyage to the North African countries of Algiers or Tunisia. After the fall of France in 1940, these were now under the control of the German-sympathetic Vichy French government. The liner itself is in very good condition, with the black finished leather still supple, and the 8 cork spacers still intact. There is a blue size label reading 57 inside the front of the helmet.

The metal badges are totally genuine and are in very good condition with a great finish, and very little wear. The aluminum Luftwaffe Eagle has a great look and lightly oxidized patina. The silver plated brass tricolor shield has held up slightly worse, with some paint loss. Also since it is silver plated, that has now tarnished to a dark patina.

A wonderful French-made Sun helmet, pressed into service with the German Luftwaffe. This will make a great addition to any German WWII Afrikakorps collection.