1st Pattern Heer Pith Helmet – Near Mint

Product Description: A minty example of the highly desirable 1st Pattern Heer Pith Helmet, as issued to members of the Afrikakorps. This early variant is considerably more difficult to find than the later felt 2nd Pattern, making it a standout piece for any advanced collection.

The helmet retains its original, undistorted form with no dents or warping. Its tan twill fabric covering remains near mint, showing virtually no wear, while the green leather chinstrap is completely intact. Only the most minimal traces of age are present—tiny areas of finish loss along the leather edging. Both original, highly detailed pith helmet shields are present and secure, showing only faint toning and the lightest touch of paint loss to the surfaces.

The interior is equally well-preserved. The red fabric liner is pristine, with a clear inked size stamp of “6,”. Under the leather sweatband is marked the maker code “ORL,” and the date “1941” . The maker’s logo is crisply stamped into the sweatband. There is no indication this helmet was ever issued or worn, and it remains in minty condition throughout.

Overall, this 1st Pattern Heer Pith Helmet is an exceptional and nearly impossible-to-upgrade example. With its rarity, outstanding condition, and textbook features, it would make an impressive addition to any serious collection of Afrikakorps or WWII German headgear.

Historical Description: The pith helmet is one of the most iconic aspects of the tropical uniform worn by German personnel in WWII. Besides being worn by Rommel’s Afrikakorps, pith helmets were also worn in all; areas on the Southern Front where tropical uniforms were issued, including Italy and the Mediterranean, and southern Russia. Pith helmets were part of the uniform issued by the German Army, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, and the Waffen-SS. The chief visible difference among the pith helmets used by these various organizations, were the metal badges affixed to each side. These were made in the style of the branch decals used on the steel helmet. Early pith helmets were made with a twill fabric outer covering. Later, second pattern examples were covered with felt. As German troops withdrew from Afrika, many pith helmets sat unissued in warehouses, where they were recovered by Allied forces at the end of the war; at one time, later pattern examples were relatively common. With the passage of time, complete original examples, especially in nice condition, have become much harder to find.

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