The AFRIKAKORPS Cuff Title

[DAK D]

                                                An Introduction to the Afrikakorps Cuff Title.

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 woollen 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 woollen 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 frontline by some soldiers, as the official Afrika title was slow to be awarded and it is doubtful that any actual titles made it to Tunisia before the surrender in May 1943.

The "Afrikakorps" cuff title is very well known to collectors of Third Reich militaria and the three offical versions are easy to find at a good price. However, these titles have been copied for many years now, with the Diamond back tartan weave being the most infamous copy

 

1/ Rare original, locally made black DAK cuff tilte.These rare black variants were probably locally made in Tripoli, or Naples whatever the case these original non - official versions are very hard to find and there are some fakes on the market.There a few different black DAK titles, but I will not be covering all of them in this thread for now.

1/b Reverse of the black "Afrikakorps" cuff title, showing typical rubbing and wear for a uniform removed title.

1/c Reverse inside showing the back details and the letters

2/ The standard original factory manufactured "Afrikakorps" cuff title. This is the most common version and is easy to find in Europe

2/b The reverse of the standard Afrikakorps cuff title showing the construction and lettering.

3/  This is the variant original "Afrikakorps" cuff title : note the inside shape of the top part of R & P are the same size. This version has been questioned by some novice collectors. However, it is a fine original variant title. This title is also fairly easy to find in Europe.

3/b The reverse of the original variant "Afrikakorps" cuff title, showing the construction of the letters and title. Note the R&P on this one.

4/ Late original Tan/ Ginger variant of the "Afrikakorps" cuff title, there is no evidence these were ever issued to German soldiers serving in North Africa. These are the most common Afrikakorps cuff titles found in the USA today.

4/b The reverse of the Tan/Ginger Varient, showing the construction of the title and lettering.

5/ This is a typical "Tartan Weave" fake Afrikakorps cuff title, that is also known as the "Diamond Back fake"

 

5b The reverse of the tartan weave fake

5c a close up view of the reverse

5/d Points to look at on the front of this well known fake.

5/e Points to look at on the back Note : the diamond back shape to the "O" and typical tartan weave.

6/ The rare black version being worn. (This is a still from a DVD) Copyright History Films Germany

7/ This interesting photo shows German soldiers in North Afrika wearing the offical version of the Afrikakorps cuff title.

Edited August 25, 2016 by DAK D

[Bil4338]

Excellent article, now it'll be easy to spot a fake with the above info duly noted.thanks DAK D!

[DAK D]

Thanks @Bil4338,

It's not finished yet mate, but when it is I hope @Lenny will pin it

D

[Davejb]

Thats quite a rare photo, the official regulation for wearing the cuff title was on the LEFT arm. It was sometimes ignored but to see so many wearing it on the right is unusual

[DAK D]

Hi @Davejb,

You are thinking of the "Afrika" campaign cuff title, as the Afrikakorps title was always meant to be worn on the right sleeve.

D

[Davejb]

Of course you are correct, I,m having a brain freeze day today, in between trying to please her indoors and making models and looking on the forum, I,m losing the will to exist!!!!!!!!

 

[Mav352]

Nice work @DAK D well written and very useful. 

[Desert Rat]

Many Thanks for your article as now I can buy one and know it's original....Best Wishes...Desert Rat

[Desert Rat]

Sorry I am very late in replying......Very Informative as my Dad fought against the Afrika Korps in the 8th Army during WW2 in 1942....Many Thanks & Best Wishes....Desert Rat

[Afrikakorpsrat64]

Just a well done piece on the cuff title @DAK D. I still come back to this one for reference.  

[Afrikakorpsrat64]

Here is my original variation.

[Desert Rat]

Lovely Tony,

Bet you have more DAK stuff hidden away.????....Time to show us when you can.

Best Wishes..Ian

[Desert Rat]

Hello Tony,

I am getting completely mixed up on here when I replied to you.....It seems as above March 14th I thought, it was later than that    ?????

I need a lie down or a big drink???

Take Care & Best Wishes......Ian/ Desert Rat

[Desert Rat]

Hello Tony,

Have you got any more DAK in your collection to show us on MCN.....We hope so?

Best wishes.....As Always......Desert Rat/ Ian

[cageybee91]

I am new here so go easy on me.  🙂

DAK D, excellent post and references!  I am a bit confused with the last two original examples and the reproduction.  At face value, I can see what you are saying, but I have an example I got back in the early 1970's (see photos} that have some differences from the repo.  I hope you can fill me in on the attached photos:

1. The Reproduction's silver rapped thread making the words AFRIKAKORPS are clipped off at the letters A and S (on the reverse).  Your posted original photos and the below example does not.

2. Also on the reverse, the thread jump between the letters R and O is at the bottom of the R, all the examples you have posted with this version of the cuff title jump from the top of the R.

3. The last photo show the cuff title is made with left hand thread.  Left hand thread was very common in war time Germany (right hand thread was scarce).  For the last 50 years, left hand thread seems to be very rare.

4. My photos appear to show a diamond back letter O.

I am aware that all of the different reproductions being made are making it a nightmare at times for authentication and my attached photos are likely of a reproduction.  Hopefully you can see my confusion.  Thank you for entertaining my observations.

 

[Afrikakorpsrat64]

1 hour ago, cageybee91 said:

I am new here so go easy on me.  🙂

DAK D, excellent post and references!  I am a bit confused with the last two original examples and the reproduction.  At face value, I can see what you are saying, but I have an example I got back in the early 1970's (see photos} that have some differences from the repo.  I hope you can fill me in on the attached photos:

1. The Reproduction's silver rapped thread making the words AFRIKAKORPS are clipped off at the letters A and S (on the reverse).  Your posted original photos and the below example does not.

2. Also on the reverse, the thread jump between the letters R and O is at the bottom of the R, all the examples you have posted with this version of the cuff title jump from the top of the R.

3. The last photo show the cuff title is made with left hand thread.  Left hand thread was very common in war time Germany (right hand thread was scarce).  For the last 50 years, left hand thread seems to be very rare.

4. My photos appear to show a diamond back letter O.

I am aware that all of the different reproductions being made are making it a nightmare at times for authentication and my attached photos are likely of a reproduction.  Hopefully you can see my confusion.  Thank you for entertaining my observations.

 

Hi @cageybee91, the diamond "O" stitching on back side is used on reproductions. The "O" should be round on the variation type cuff title. @DAK Dwas my mentor on all things DAK and is a good friend. He taught me what to look for. Hope this helps! 

[cageybee91]

Thank you!