Germany, Heer. A Pith Helmet, First Version, by Carl Halfar

(Heer Tropenhelm). A well-preserved first pattern Heer tropical helmet, constructed of a pressed cork frame. It is fully lined on the exterior with a multi-piece khaki-tan canvas liner, with the panels overlapping and reinforced along the seams with machine stitching. An additional band of identical canvas is set around the base of the canister, and conceals six zink and magnetic metal grommets. The helmet is flanked on each side by shield insignia. On the left, an aluminum shield bears a raised and silvered Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika on a black background, measuring 38 mm (w) x 46 mm (h). On the right, a zink shield bears a black, white, and red Wehrmacht tricolour, measuring 36 mm (w) x 44 m (h). Topped the crown is a ventilation shaft covered by a rounded and canvas-lined guard. The helmet is reinforced along the rim with a brown leather liner. A multi-piece green and red cotton-blended liner fully encompasses the interior. The lower part of the canister retains a zink ring, padded with a composite fibre liner, which secures in place a light brown leather sweatband. The latter is marked on the obverse with a size mark of “57”, and folds down to reveal a maker’s mark of “CARL HALFAR, BERLIN” and a manufacture date of “1941” on the reverse. Emanating from the ring are two non-magnetic metal loops retaining an intact brown leather chinstrap, adjusted with a non-magnetic metal buckle. The helmet measures approximately 270 mm (w) x 340 mm (l) x 180 mm (h). In addition to the mismatched shields, issues consistent with age and field use are evident, and includes some cracking and distortion of the cork core, minor exterior soiling and material fatigue, and slight wear to the leather features. It is in an overall better than very fine condition.