1940s - Sun Pith Helmet-In this case it is an original Argentine helmet, in the British style, with motorized goggles.
Photo reenactment.
Sun pith helmets, also known as sola topis or safari helmets, were iconic headwear primarily used by European military personnel, explorers, and colonial administrators in tropical regions during the 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries. Originally made from the lightweight pith of the sola plant, they were designed for maximum sun protection and heat insulation.
The design evolved from traditional Filipino headwear called the salakot, which was adopted by Spanish and French colonial troops in the 18th and 19th centuries due to its effectiveness against the sun and rain.
British forces in India began experimenting with similar designs in the 1840s and 1850s, leading to the standardized "Colonial pattern" pith helmet. These were initially covered in white cloth to reflect heat but were later dyed khaki for camouflage during campaigns like the Anglo-Zulu War.
The Wolseley pattern, a distinctive version with a sloping brim, became standard issue for the British Army from 1899 to 1948. Other nations, including the U.S. Army, French colonial troops, and Germany's Afrika Korps, also widely adopted versions of the pith helmet for use in hot climates during World War I and II.
Decline in Military Use: The pith helmet was largely phased out of active military service after World War II due to cost and impracticality compared to modern materials and designs.
The design evolved from traditional Filipino headwear called the salakot, which was adopted by Spanish and French colonial troops in the 18th and 19th centuries due to its effectiveness against the sun and rain.
British forces in India began experimenting with similar designs in the 1840s and 1850s, leading to the standardized "Colonial pattern" pith helmet. These were initially covered in white cloth to reflect heat but were later dyed khaki for camouflage during campaigns like the Anglo-Zulu War.
The Wolseley pattern, a distinctive version with a sloping brim, became standard issue for the British Army from 1899 to 1948. Other nations, including the U.S. Army, French colonial troops, and Germany's Afrika Korps, also widely adopted versions of the pith helmet for use in hot climates during World War I and II.
Decline in Military Use: The pith helmet was largely phased out of active military service after World War II due to cost and impracticality compared to modern materials and designs.
Colonial Model 1886, French Helmet
Pith-helmets
Photo: 1904 Caras y Caretas.
Photo: Caras y Caretas".
Photo: Photo: "Soldados 1848 - 1927".
75mm L30 1909 Krupp Mounted Artillery. Mendoza 1927. Photo: Caras y Caretas.
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Cadet officers from the infantry at the beginning of the 1950s. Observe the different types of net over the pith helmets. They all appear to have a garibladina jacket or giacca al vento and poncho-manta (poncho-blanket). Argentina used a type of light brown smoking pullover in a thick fabric. It was a simple design with one large pocket on the chest and buttons at the collar. This pullover was used along with pants of the same fabric within the soldiers' quartes along with the olive green uniform used in combat or parades. The youth on the far right was Argentino del Valle Larrabure. He was tragically murdered in 1975 during a violent political period. He was posthumously promoted to colonel. The photo may belong to his family.
