Germany, Heer. A Heer Tropical Helmet, First Pattern

(Heer Tropenhelm). A very well-preserved, first-pattern Heer tropical helmet, constructed of a cork shell consisting of a central canister with an outward-flaring brim. The exterior is fully lined in a khaki-coloured canvas twill liner. Topping the crown is a zink-reinforced ventilation shaft opening into the interior, with a canvas-lined rounded swivel guard set at the exterior. Each side of the cylinder bears a zink shield insignia, with one featuring a raised Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika on a black background, and the other with a Wehrmacht-style tricolour flag scheme. Each insignia measures 36 mm (w) x 42 mm (h), and is secured in place with three reverse attachment prongs. A band of khaki-coloured cotton twill lines the exterior at the seam of the brim. Completing the exterior features is a grey leather liner reinforcing the rim, secured in place with machine stitching. Riveted to the circumference of the interior is a grey composite bakelite band which secures in place a light brown leather sweatband, reinforced with a grey wool liner. A non-ferrous metal clip emanates from the left of the sweatband, formerly retaining in place a chinstrap which has since been lost. A red cotton twill liner fully encompasses the interior. An illegible maker’s mark with a number “25” is stomped onto the exterior of the sweatband in black ink, with an additional distributor mark of “P&MN.” on the interior. The helmet measures 270 mm (w) x 360 mm (l) x 180 mm (h). In addition to the missing chinstrap, material fatigue and soiling consistent with age and field use are evident, and the tricolour shield insignia demonstrates evidence of repainting. The helmet is in an overall better than very fine condition.

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