History

Tropical uniforms were first issued to Army personnel serving in North Africa. Although the Waffen-SS served in areas with warmer climates, its personnel was not allowed to wear Amy issued tropical garments. Eventually, the SS issued tropical uniforms to its personnel.

The SS Tropical Pith Helmet was part of the uniform issued to SS-personnel stationed in the western desert, Italy, Greece, and in the Caucasus. The Pith Helmet was issued in very limited quantities and is quite rare.

The majority of Waffen-SS Pith Helmets are without insignia, although there are original examples that feature SS runes on one side and the swastika shield on the other.

The only difference between SS and Army Pith Helmets is the attached identification shields.