Condition: Near Mint
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Product Description: This Afrika Cuff Title is a really nice, unissued example. This is the campaign award version of this cuff title, instituted in 1943 and given to solders who served in North Africa for the period of time indicated by the award criteria. This cuff title is made of a very fine olive brown “camel hair” fabric. The long ends are adorned with Russia braid piping, in silver thread. The word “Afrika,” flanked by palm trees, is machine embroidered in silver thread on the center of the cuff title. There is no damage, and no wear, with only slight age toning to the silver threads. The reverse of this cuff title shows the bobbin thread of the embroidery, and typical folded edges. It is full length, as these would have been issued, and there are no stitch holes or other traces of ever having been applied to a uniform sleeve. This Afrika Cuff Title is clean and complete, and displays very nicely. The condition rates as near mint.
Historical Description: Cuff titles (Ärmelstreifen) are uniform accoutrements that have been used in the German military since the 19th century. Intended to foster a certain sense of ‘esprit de corps’ amongst members of the armed forces, they were authorized for wear by members of designated units for the duration of their service time within that unit. In the event of transfer out of the unit, the cuff title was to be removed from the service member’s uniform. During the Third Reich, the German military continued this tradition by instituting honorary cuff titles to certain ‘special’ formations. This practice is perhaps most well-known for its application amongst Waffen- ϟϟ units. Cuff titles were also authorized for wear within all branches of the Wehrmacht (Army, Air Force and Navy) as well. These unit-specific cuff titles are not to be confused with others, which were awarded for participation in a certain campaign. The tradition, within the German military of wearing cuff titles, continues into the 21st century with certain honor guard contingents of the Bundeswehr being permitted to wear unit-specific cuff titles.
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