Tropical Helmet collection

**Jerry B** · 10-25-2011, 04:54 PM

I'll start with some British tropical sun helmets or Pith helmets as they are most commonly called.

The example with the red/white/blue flash on the side is from the inter war years. This is an officers/private purchase example made by a well known military outfitters in London who are still in business. It has a leather edge trim whilst OR's issue types have a cloth trim.

Next is my most recent purchase, again a Wolseley pattern (same as the first two), but this example has been painted white and had at some time a badge attached. Sadly it's original sweatband and liner have been replaced with a strip of leather and there are no stamps or markings of any kind and therefore it is very hard to date, but I think it is probably post war. The thin band around the dome is also more typical of post war examples than the earlier types.

The tan/sand coloured example is probably unissued and is dated to 1942, with a WD broad arrow mark and is the standard OR's issue type with the cloth edge trim. The silver foil lining was only used during 1942 to 1943.

Lastly is an example of the India pattern or Bombay Bowler and this again is probably post war, being made in India from recycled paper sacks and Golden syrup tins (note the grommets).

More tropical helmets from my collection to follow.

Regards,

Jerry

**stuka f** · 10-25-2011, 04:58 PM

Always loved them!
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**talltom** · 10-25-2011, 05:10 PM

very nice and in such brilliant condition thanks for sharing

tom

**LondonJay** · 10-25-2011, 06:35 PM

Lovely collection Jerry

Jay

**Jerry B** · 10-25-2011, 10:17 PM

Thanks all.

Here are a couple of Italian examples. First is an unissued M1928 2nd model with a post war added but used original helmet shield for the Infantry school.

Second is another M1928 2nd model, but this one is well used, being a reissue to the KM, complete with KM shields and the correct property of the German wehrmacht stamp. The shields are of an uncommon pattern, with no pebbling on them and they are less rounded at the bottom than the more common types. Ken N thinks they are theater made whilst others think them a very early type. The plume holder has been removed from the right hand side of the helmet, which is a feature seen on most of these reissued to the Germans. All of the few other examples of these KM Italian helmets that I have seen were found in a 'hoard' on the island of Capri and are mint and unissued, somewhat in contrast to this well used salty example and is one of my favorites, possibly the favorite of those I own or have owned.

Regards,

Jerry

**NunoGTI** · 10-26-2011, 08:04 AM

A great collection, i love these tropical helmets.
Cheers.
Nuno

**stuka f** · 10-26-2011, 08:14 AM

Any more to come?
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**Jerry B** · 10-26-2011, 02:16 PM

by stuka f

Any more to come?
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Yes, some German examples and a US and another (the latter need their pictures taken). I have just got in from work and I will post the German examples in a little while.

Regards,

Jerry

**kozowy1967** · 10-26-2011, 02:38 PM

Wonderfull collection Jerry the Italian M28 KM reissue is a very intresting helmet .

Regards Mark K

**Jerry B** · 10-26-2011, 03:22 PM

Some German example, first off, a Green 1st pattern and a green felt 2nd pattern. Interestingly, the 1st pattern is 1942 dated, though I have seen at least 3 2nd patterns dated to 1941, though my 2nd pattern has no surviving date or makers stamps. The 1st pattern is also interesting in that it is tan under the brim, showing that the green and tan examples were made at the same time by the same manufacturers.

Regards,

Jerry