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Afrikakorps Cuff Title

Condition: Near Mint

SKU: JW6313 Category: Heer Cloth & Insignia Tags heer, insignia, tropical

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Product Description: This Afrikakorps cuff title is a clean, crisp and pristine example of this desirable formation cuff title. It is still just as it was when it left the factory, with no holes, stains or damage, and virtually no age. It’s Bevo machine woven, as is typical, with silver flat wire on a backing of green and tan rayon. The lettering is crisp and perfect. There is no oxidation or toning to the silver wire, and the borders and lettering are vibrant, with full original luster. All of the original color remains strong. The reverse of this Afrikakorps cuff title shows typical details of the machine woven construction. There are no stitch holes or any other indication of ever having been affixed to a uniform or worn. This is an outstanding piece that simply cannot be upgraded. The condition rates as near mint.

Historical Description: Cuff titles (Ärmelstreifen) are uniform accoutrements that have been used in the German military since the 19^thcentury. 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 21^st century with certain honor guard contingents of the Bundeswehr being permitted to wear unit-specific cuff titles.