More Afrikakorps Cuff Titles

[Bob Hritz]

For discussion I am posting 3 Afrikakorps cuff titles.

The top title, in all illustrations, was obtained from the vet who brought it back. The other 2 I have found while unpacking and cannot recall the sources.

I know the 1957 version is close, but all three of these titles are different. Can anyone please provide the definative answers as to which are wartime produced and which are either 1957 versions, and which are outright fakes?

Thank you,
Bob Hritz

[Bob Hritz]

Detail obverse

[Bob Hritz]

detail

[Bob Hritz]

Verso detail

[Bob Hritz]

Verso 2

[Bob Hritz]

Verso 3

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Bob, thank you for posting these pics.

The only one which I regard as original is the top one. (I would have said that without the Veteran bring back connection ) This is the only pattern which can be observed in wartime photos and found on original un-touched tunics/greatcoats. Rommel himself wore this pattern.

The other two are both reproductions in my opinion, for the usual reasons; Shape of the "dots" within the "R","P" and "O". Touching "A & F": Shape of the letter "S". Also I have observed these being sold by known fake sellers.

The "1957" connection does not really exsist. This cuff title was not re-introduced for wear, as it was a formation sign and not an award or decoration. You might be thinking of the "Afrika" title? I have heard that these titles were reproduced by the DAK Veterans association as souvenirs, but I have no proof of this. It could simply be collectors folklore? But these good quality copies have been around for many years now and continue to be sold, often by dealers with good reputations, so they can fool the proffessional.

I have been writing an article for the forum on these titles now for several months which I really need to finish.

Cheers, Ade.

[TONY Q.W.]

Hello Ade, actually I was waiting for you to go first . I only own one of these and it matches with the characteristics of the first one. I also consider the 2nd and 3rd cuff titles to be post war repros, although the materials of the 1st and 2nd are identical (amazing, I wonder how did they manage to coppy that).


Regards,

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Tony, cheers mate

1 & 2 are similar indeed in materials, but they differ in construction, not only in the lettering, but in how the edges of the title are woven, which can be seen on the reverse.

Cheers, Ade.