WW2 German Afrika Corps Pith Helmet Sheild

The WW2 German Afrika Corps Pith Helmet Shield was an identifying insignia worn by personnel of the Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) during the North African Campaign between 1941 and 1943. This shield was affixed to the sides of the standard-issue tropical pith helmet, which was designed to offer protection from the harsh desert environment. The shield typically features a metal construction with the German national colors of black, white, and red, or an eagle and swastika emblem, depending on the side and variant. Measuring approximately 5cm by 4.5cm, it is gently curved to fit the helmet’s surface. Such insignia served both as a means of unit identification and as a symbol of national affiliation. Items like this reflect the uniform regulations of the era and offer historical insight into the distinctive equipment used by German forces operating in North Africa during the Second World War.