British WWII, Italian Capture Sun Helmet, Calcutta Mfg
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $395.00

Original era manufacture. This is an intriguing piece of headgear, purchased as part of an old Southern California collection last year. It is a massive, Calcutta India produced Sun Helmet, cork bodied, with a quilted khaki coloredsilk covering, with a matching color puggaree. The underside of the rim has a green cotton covering, with a tan cotton crown lining and green paper retailers label. Unbroken brown leather chinstrap fits over the front visor. The helmet presents a very toned patina, with all components matching in age and wear. Affixed to the front of the helmet, is a gold wire embroideredemblem representing the insignia of the Italian 5th Bersaglieri Regiment, and on the left side, the famous cock feather, as worn by these elite Italian troops.During WWII, the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment formed part of the Italian 131stArmored Division "Centauro", andarrived in North Africa in August of 1942 afterserving in Albania, Greece & Yugoslavia. It fought at the battle of El Aghheila in December 1942, against the British 7th Armored Division, and against the Americans during the battle of Kasserine Pass, overrunning a portion of the US troops defending Highway 13.The Centauro Division remained in Tunisia until the end,surrendering to the Allies in May of 1943.