BACKGROUND: In late 1940, with the impending German entrance into the North African campaign, the army quickly developed and issued tropical uniforms and equipment in time for DAK, Deutsches Afrika Korps, (German Africa Corps), personnel’s arrival in Tripoli in February 1941. At the same time the Luftwaffe also developed and introduced their own version of the tropical uniform, headgear and equipment independently from the other branches of service. Originally Luftwaffe personnel stationed in North Africa were issued the first pattern, army style, pith helmet until they introduced their own version in mid-1941 which was almost identical to the army version except for the coloration and insignia. Generally the army issue pith helmets were in a olive/khaki shade while Luftwaffe pith helmets were issued in light tan, olive green or blue/grey, with the tan helmets being the most common. Wear of the pith helmets was extended to personnel serving in southern areas of continental Europe during the summer months, (May 1ST to September 30TH), but the helmets proved ineffective and unpopular and manufacture was discontinued sometime in 1942 or 1943. On introduction the tropical pith helmets were outfitted with the Luftwaffe style national eagle and the national tri-color identification insignia. Of Note: Officers and certain senior NCO ranks were responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and headgear and as a result were allotted a clothing allowance through the Luftwaffe’s Verkaufsabteilung, (Air-Force Sales Department), system although the tropical uniforms and headgear were a departure from this system and were issued to these personnel at no cost.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Luftwaffe issue, tropical pith helmet, with a formed cork core covered in a light weight, tan cotton. The helmet features a six panel, vertically seamed, tan cotton crown with a horizontal band stitched at the rear center at the juncture of the crown and the all around extended, visor. The top center of the crown has a raised, removable, cotton covered, circular, alloy knob with three semi-circular, cut-out ventilation holes. The all around visor is shorter at the front and consists of a formed cork core with a two piece tan cotton covering with vertical stitched seams at each side. The forward edge of the visor is trimmed with stitched on tan leather. The helmet has two, stamped, metal alloy pieces of insignia, with the Luftwaffe style national eagle to the left side and the national tri-color shield to the right side. The silver washed, stamped tombac construction, second pattern, (Circa 1936/1937-1945), Luftwaffe eagle clutching a canted, swastika in one talon has a roughly, 66mm wingspan from wing tip to wing tip. The roughly, 42mm tall, 35mm wide, national tri-colored shield features three diagonally angled bars in the national colors of black, "white", and red on a slightly textured background field. The national tri-color shield retains about 98% of its original black and red paints with the "white" portion being represented by a matte silver which has age tarnished. Both pieces of insignia are secured to the helmet by three, bent over prongs which are visible to the interior. The bottom edge of the all around visor brim is lined in light weight, olive drab cotton and the interior crown is lined in light weight red cotton. The interior crown has a metal alloy grommet under the exterior crown ventilation knob. The interior of the helmet has a wide, tan leather sweatband, stitched to a pressed cardboard liner band which is attached to the helmet by six, extended, prongs with magnetic sheet metal cotter pins. The sweatband is in excellent. The reverse of the sweatband has a blue size inkstamp, "57", and the makers name and date "P & MN 1942". The helmet comes complete with it’s original tan leather chinstrap with a sliding, magnetic sheet metal length adjustment buckle, a retaining clip and a quick release hook all intact. The chinstrap is in overall very good condition with minimal chafe wear and the leather is still nice and supple. The helmet is in overall very good condition with minor age and usage toning. Textbook example.