Original German WWII Deutsches Afrikakorps DAK 1943 Campaign Award Cuff Title - AFRIKA

Original Items: Only One Available. The “Afrikakorps” cuff title became an official award from the 18th July 1941. Prior to this date the various locally made black unofficial Afrikakorps cuff titles had been worn by some German soldiers from all branches of the Wehrmacht. Criteria for the award was a minimum of two months service in North Africa, before the award could be worn on the tropical blouse, or woolen greatcoat. However, many German soldiers decided to keep their titles as souvenirs and many of these titles were taken from German POW’s by allied soldiers throughout the Desert Campaign and in Tunisia.

The "Afrikakorps" cuff title was to be worn approximately 15cm from the bottom of the lower right sleeve on the tropical field blouse and the woolen tropical greatcoat. The wearing of the cuff title was permitted when wearing the field-grey tunic on leave in Europe, and on the tropical uniform in the summer months when on leave in Europe.

With the introduction of the "Afrika" campaign title on January 15th 1943 the “Afrikakorps” cuff title was ordered to be removed, but this order was probably ignored in the front line by some soldiers, as the official Afrika title was slow to be awarded and it is doubtful that large numbers of actual titles made it to Tunisia before the surrender in May 1943.

This is a rare official AFRIKA marked cuff title with palms and silver piping, featuring correct velvet-like tan fabric and silver gray rayon embroidery. This is not a reproduction but a rare original, and measures 18.4 inches in overall length. It is in excellent condition, and does not look to have been installed on a uniform at any point. We cannot see any stitch holes, and the only wear looks to be from age and long storage. There is a bit of fraying at the ends and on the interior, where the fabric does not have any stitching to prevent it.

A great example of an Afrika Campaign Award Cuff Title, ready to display!