Condition: Near Mint
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Product Description: This Luftwaffe Afrika cuff title is a near-perfect example of this scarce and desirable piece of formation insignia. It is unissued and has never been sewn to a uniform. The colors are extraordinarily vibrant, with the word “Afrika” machine embroidered in bright white thread on a wool band that retains strong original blue color. The embroidery is perfect and precise, with virtually no age toning to the white fibers. The blue wool is clean and pristine, with zero moth damage and all of the original nap on the surface. The long edges of this Luftwaffe Afrika cuff title have been folded and stitched with factory type straight machine stitching, which is how these were issued. The full original length is intact. On the reverse, the bobbin thread from the embroidery is visible, as is typical. This attractive cuff title is about as nice as they come and could not 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 19thcentury. 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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