Germany, Heer. A Tropical Pith Helmet, Second Pattern

(Heer Tropenhelm). A very well-preserved, second pattern Heer tropical pith helmet, constructed of a thin cork shell lined with a smooth olive-drab doeskin felt. It consists of a central canister flanked by dual insignia. Each constructed of zink and measuring 35 mm (w) x 40 mm (h), the right insignia features a Wehrmacht tricolour shield, while the left bears a raised Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika. The crown is topped by a curved protruding fixture covering a ventilation channel. A strap, similarly constructed of olive-drab doeskin felt, covers the seam where the canister transitions into a protruding brim, trimmed along the exterior edge with grey-brown leather. The brim extends outward at the back, protecting the wearer’s neck from sunlight. A malleable bakelite composite ring surrounds the interior circumference of the canister, securing in place a red felt interior liner and partially-intact brown leather sweatband. Set into the crown is a brass eyelet comprising the ventilation channel. Affixed to the sides of the interior ring are two magnetic metal loops which accommodate a two-piece grey-brown leather chinstrap, adjusted with a functional magnetic metal buckle. The helmet is fully unmarked and measures 280 mm (w) x 365 mm (l) x 170 mm (h). Minor, age-appropriate material fatigue is evident, and is largely confined to deterioration of the leather features, including the loss of a piece of the sweatband. The helmet is in an overall better than very fine condition.