Dutch made DAK Tropical Pith Helmet (Tropenhelm). In late 1940, with the impending German entrance into the North African campaign, tropical uniforms and equipment were quickly developed and issued in time for DAK personnel's arrival in Tripoli in February 1941. Originally the tropical uniforms were only intended for wear in North Africa but that was later expanded to include personnel serving in southern areas of continental Europe during the summer months. This is a Dutch made tropical pith helmet, made before the war under contract for the South African Army. Due to the German invasion of Holland this order was never exported and got confiscated by the invading German Army. Wehrmacht pith helmet shields were added and these Dutch made pith helmets have been issued to members of the 15th Panzer Division before being send to Africa in 1941. Many photographic evidence exists to support this information. This pith helmet is complete with both shields. Unfortunately the leather sweatband and chinstrap are missing. The helmet is nicely maker marked by the company 'J.P. Mol' from Breda and is dated 1940. The helmet is in overall very good condition, see photos. An original sun protection goggles is attached to the helmet as found in Germany. This is one of the rarest types of pith helmets, only a handful originals are known in collections worldwide. This is cetainly something for the spezialised DAK collector. Beautiful original Wehrmacht pith helmet!