Sun/pith helmets in the movies have often been hit or miss – and in some cases have even caused some confusion regarding fact vs. fiction. Most notably are the helmets in the 1964 epic Zulu, which featured helmet plates on the front. Because of this movie many new collectors expect that helmet plates were generally worn in all stations abroad (The helmet plate was authorized only for the so-called Mediterranean stations).

However, the 2016 production The Legend of Tarzan offered rather surprisingly good depictions of the Belgian Congo’s Force Publique. While these are technically the “villains” in this overly PC movie, which is just the latest take on the “King of the Apes,” the uniforms and helmets are actually fairly accurate.

This prop helmet actually looks fairly accurate from a few feet away. (Collection of the author)

One of these helmets was recently offered for sale by UK-based Movie Bits, a movie memorabilia specialist. The helmet was sold with a certificate of authenticity and Movie Bits is a founding member of the Movie Props Association.

This particular helmet is constructed of hardened foam and covered with a cotton twill cloth. It features a replica of the Force Publique badge on the front. This particular example shows some – but not much – wear, suggesting it may have been used in the background shots.

The replica Force Publique badge was produced in white metal and appears to be slightly larger than originals but this is likely so that it would show up on screen. It still features a surprising amount of detail. (Collection of the author)

The liner isn’t anything like period helmets but viewers wouldn’t see the inside. (collection of the author)

Given the rarity of these helmets – given the fact that only a few dozen Belgian soldiers served as officers or NCOs in the Force Publique – about the closest any collector may get is one of these helmets. While certainly not real, these are a close proximity. The prop house did even try to copy the French M1878 pattern helmet’s basic shape – and this pattern may have been used before the Belgian forces adopted the French M1886 helmets.

The helmets, tunics and equipment are quite convincing in this latest Tarzan film.

The badges really do stand out even in this scene that made use of fog and smoke!

There are almost no known original surviving Force Publique helmets from the 1880s – when the film is also set. The only known example was in the Royal Museum for Central Africa, located outside of Brussels.

One of the only known surviving original helmets. This original badge is a bit smaller, but it should be noted that the badge changed with the adoption of white tropical uniforms in the late 1880s. This original helmet is also a French-made Model 1886 helmet – while the movie versions appear to be based on the French Model 1878 pattern.

The museum has been undergoing an update and reports are that its collection of Belgian Congo military artifacts could be reduced so as to be more “politically correct.” It is unclear if that one original helmet will even be put back on display.

Peter Suciu

May 2018