Viet Minh early North Vietnamese Army Khaki Pith Helmet

This is a very early Viet Minh and early North Vietnamese Army pith helmet made of cork. Underneath the plasticized sweat band, the headband is made of interwoven bamboo. This is how all of the very early Viet Minh and North Vietnamese Army pith helmets and early sun helmets were made. The only difference between this early helmet  and the next generation was in the exterior band. The next generation did not have fancy interwoven cloth bands but rather a simple, singular, piece of cloth.  The next generation was therefore less costly to manufacture. This style of helmet would have utilized the first model pin back brass helmet insignia. The early pith helmet would look fantastic with a set of early khaki fatigues!