Germany, Heer. A Tropical Helmet, Second Pattern, Unknown Maker Variant

(Heer Tropenhelm 2. Form). A second pattern Heer tropical pith helmet, constructed of a pressed cork shell. The exterior is fully lined in a smooth and seamless olive-drab felt, with a strap of dark olive-drab felt fully circumscribing the base of the canister. The crown is topped by a felt-lined dome which covers an integral ventilation shaft. Insignia flank the canister, with the left side featuring a silvered and blackened zink shield overlaid by a raised Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika, while the right side is overlaid by an aluminum shield executed in a red, white (substituted with silver), and black Wehrmacht tri-colour. Each shield measures 35 mm (w) x 45 mm (h), while the tri-colour emblem is maker marked on the reverse with the logo of F.W. Assmann & Söhne, Lüdenscheid. The brim is trimmed with a partially-intact olive-drab leather liner, while a chinstrap of identical construction emerges from the interior and rests upon the visor when not in use. A dark green cotton liner fully encompasses the interior, which also features a red felt dome situated within the canister, secured in position with a scalloped and reinforced green felt ring. The dome is surrounded by a light brown leather sweatband, which folds down to reveal a size mark of “57”, as well as a maker’s mark of “F. ST. L.” for a documented but unidentified manufacturer. Issues consistent with age and field wear are evident, and include replacement of one of the shield insignia, minor material fatigue to the felt and cotton liners, and moderate material fatigue of the brim liner. This helmet remains in an overall better than very fine condition.