$195.00
Condition: Excellent +
In stock
Product Description: An excellent example of the Tropical Luftwaffe DAK Breast Eagle variant as worn by personnel of the Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) in the North African theater. Executed on a tan cotton twill base, this eagle features finely machine-embroidered detailing in light blue-grey thread, forming the iconic Luftwaffe eagle clutching a swastika.
Measuring approximately 3 ¾ inches (9.5 cm) across, this insignia was tunic removed, bearing slight evidence of wear while remaining in superb overall condition. The embroidery remains crisp and clean, with no fraying or loss, and the fabric base exhibits only minor handling consistent with careful removal from the uniform.
A highly desirable and well-preserved example of tropical Luftwaffe insignia, representative of service in one of the most storied campaigns of the Second World War.
Historical Description: The German Armed Forces (Wehrmacht), as formed in 1935, and as they existed until the end of World War 2, consisted of the Army (Heer), the Air Force (Luftwaffe) and the Navy (Kriegsmarine). The Waffen-SS fell under the command of the Wehrmacht during the war. Each of these branches of service had a unique eagle design that was worn on both the formal dress and parade uniforms, and the field uniforms, of the members of that branch. These eagles were worn on soft headgear, including service and field caps, as well as on the uniform jacket. In the Heer, the Luftwaffe, and the Kriegsmarine, this eagle was worn on the chest of the tunic; collectors have termed these “breast eagles.” The Heer and the Luftwaffe generally used the same eagle style, though variations in color of the eagle or the backing distinguish between the two. The Luftwaffe used their own flying eagle emblem. The Waffen-SS sleeve eagle (and cap eagle) had wings that came to a distinctive tapered point. The cap, breast and sleeve eagles used by the various military branches were manufactured in many variations. There were machine-woven and machine embroidered versions, usually used by officers and NCOs. Hand-embroidered bullion wire eagles were typically for officers. There were metal eagles, for caps, or for uniforms that were intended to have detachable insignia. There were even eagles embroidered on camouflage fabric, intended for use on special field uniforms. There were also eagles in specific colors for use on tropical uniforms. Some of these eagles were mass-produced and are still common today. Others were, and are, very rare.
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