Questions about "AFRIKA" Cufftitles

[Stormfighter]

I have two vet-acquired "AFRIKA" cufftitles in unissued condition. Only yesterday did I compare the two and was surprised to see the differences. The title at top is wider and the embroidery is a little thinner. The color of the material is also lighter than the example below. The quality of the material on the one below is superior.

Are these just manufacturer's differences, namely the wideness of the bands? Was the one at top perhaps intended for an overcoat and the one below for tunics? I am interested in hearing everyone's comments. Thanks!

Barry

[Stormfighter]

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[Stormfighter]

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[Stormfighter]

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[MilitaryCollect]

Questions about "AFRIKA" Cufftitles

Hello,

I believe they should be 3.3 cm wide as per regulation.

Christopher

[Stormfighter]

The lower one is indeed 3.3 centimeters and the one at top is 4.2 centimeters.

[afrikasandman]

The bottom example is the standard model in which to judge by. There are things I like and don't like about the top one. I have seen some odd variations of these cuffs, so im willing to entertain variations, others are not. The top one has some odd shaped letters, they lack that really nice flare to the bottoms that the original has. Also the palm trees are kinda sketchy looking towards the middle where all the leaves join. But I like the back of this cuff and I like the small detail to the leaves. I would venture to say its a legit one, just kinda an odd size. I have seen cuffs exactly like this, much wider than the standard model. Perhaps just a fabrik defect or something to that matter. If you were only gonna keep one then the bottom is the one to grade by. Both are good pieces in my opinion, so take it for what it is. Matt

[Willi Z.]

Though odd I think the top one is ok. Barry, did you have these with you yesterday? I would have enjoyed a closer examination.

[Stormfighter]

Thanks guys. Willi, I only had the one at bottom with me yesterday. Trust me, the one at top is definitely original. I got it with a bunch of cloth insignia, tinnies and other items from the son of a veteran back in July. All the stuff was in a little tin.

[Stormfighter]

Just for everyone's interest, here is a photo in an Afrikakorps Panzer Soldbuch I have. I am convinced that this soldier wears a wider variant of the cufftitle as well.