WW2 Original German Wehrmacht Afrika Cuff Title (Original)
SKU: GERMAN WEHRMACHT AFRIKA CUFF TITLE
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer Year: 1940's
Size / Dimensions: 18 inches
Materials / Construction: Camel hair” fabric
Condition: Near Mint
Price: $600.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: 70
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This original Afrika cuff title stands as an exceptional example of the rare campaign award version which is highly sought after by collectors. The cuff title shows no signs of wear or damage because it appears to have remained unused and unworn. The body of this cuff title maintains its original soft nap and rich coloration because it was made from high-quality camel hair fabric. The Afrika script and palm tree motifs display perfect execution through machine embroidery using silver thread in detailed work. The factory machine-sewing process at the edges of the cuff title produced tight straight stitches to create the silver "Russia braid" piping. The piping shows no signs of oxidation or fraying while remaining clean. The typical machine embroidery structure and stitch patterns remain visible on the reverse side of the original piece. The cuff title measures its full regulation length of 18 inches to become a highly sought-after piece for advanced collectors.
History
The “AFRIKA” cuff title served as an elite campaign award that German Wehrmacht members received for their service under Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Rommel in North Africa during World War II. The award became available on January 15, 1943, when Adolf Hitler authorized its creation to recognize German troops who fought in North Africa as members of the Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) and other units. The distinctive cuff title displayed on the right sleeve of uniforms used camel hair tan cotton or rayon fabric with white or silver-gray thread machine-embroidered in bold Latin script to display the word “AFRIKA.” The text on the award displayed palm tree motifs which represented the desert battle environment. Soldiers who spent at least six months in North Africa or received combat injuries or fought in significant battles became eligible for this award. The North African campaign award became available to all service members who fought in the Heer (Army), Luftwaffe (Air Force) and Kriegsmarine (Navy) units but the Afrika Korps under Rommel remains its most well-known recipient. The “AFRIKA” cuff title has become a highly prized collector's item because it directly links to one of World War II's most famous and demanding military operations. Authentic pieces of the award exhibit field-worn characteristics which determine their value through material quality and stitching methods and documented ownership history.
