Germany, Heer. A Tropical Pith Helmet, First Pattern

(Heer Tropenhelm). A very well-preserved first pattern Heer tropical pith helmet, constructed of a pressed cork shell fully lined on the exterior with a khaki-tan canvas liner. It features a central canister topped on the crown by a ventilation shaft hidden by a dome lined in an identical canvas. The canister is flanked on each side by aluminum shield insignia. Each measuring 38 mm (w) x 45 mm (h), the right side features a red, white (finished in silver for contrast), and black Wehrmacht tricolour motif, while the left bears a raised and silvered Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika on a black background. A khaki-tan canvas strap which fuller lines the base of the canister hides rivets which secure the interior fixtures in place. The exterior features complete with a dark grey leather liner which fully surrounds the rim. A brown bakelite ring encompasses the interior, which is lined with a red cotton-blended material, and features a brown leather sweatband measuring 45 mm in width. Also emanating from the ring is a two-piece dark grey leather chinstrap which rests upon the visor when not in use. Stamped onto the sweatband is a mark of “HELMFARBIK W. & F., B., N.”, while the underside of the sweatband is stamped with a manufacture date of “42” and a size mark of “56”, with an additional size tag of “56” applied to the back of the interior liner. It measures approximately 255 mm (w) x 350 mm (l) x 195 mm (h). Issues consistent with age and field use are evident, and include moisture damage to the cork core which has rendered the shell malleable, some soiling and tearing of the exterior liner which has exposed the cork near the base of the canister, and moderate fatigue of the leather elements. The helmet is in an overall very fine condition.