<< Back

---

Full profile - THIS ITEM IS SOLD

Rare Dutch made pith helmet as used by Heer troops in north Africa, cotton covered cork helmet with unique high dome and short visor, an intertwined linen band is wrapped around the helmet's sides, each side has four grommeted ventilation vents, a full leather sweatband with felt backing is permanently affixed via a liner band to the helmet's interior, there are hooks at each ear position for a chinstrap but it is not present, any markings that may have been found on the inner dome are no longer legible, the opposite side of the leather sweatband is stamped with a large 6, helmet is approximately a size 56, a pair of German made metal ship helmet shields are installed, the helmet shows aging and wear externally but is without damage and presents and overall pleasing patina, it is thought that these Dutch made helmets were used by Commonwealth troops in North Africa and that captured stocks were modified with insignia for German use, this very helmet was depicted in the book Afrikakorps: Army Luftwaffe Kriegsmarine Waffen-SS : Tropical Uniforms, Insignia & Equipment of the German Soldier in World War II by Robert Kurtz and is one of the few examples known, USD $4300 SOLD