Original German WWII DAK Afrika Korps Insignia & Medal Grouping with Iron Cross 2nd Class Original Items

Original Items: Only One Set Available. The Afrika Korps or German Africa Corps (Deutsches Afrikakorps or DAK) was the German expeditionary force in Africa during the North African Campaign of World War II. First sent as a holding force to shore up the Italian defense of their African colonies, the formation fought on in Africa, under various appellations, from March 1941 until its surrender in May 1943. Both the Heer and Luftwaffe branches of the Wehrmacht wore uniforms specifically designed for the conditions in the more arid climate, and there many medals specific to this theater of war.

This is a very nice collection of German WWII Insignia, which was brought back from the African Theater by a USGI after the war was concluded. It includes some lovely Afrikakorps Insignia, as well as several medals, including an Iron Cross 2nd Class and an Austrian Anschluss medal.

This lovely set includes:

– TWO Unissued German WWII BeVo Embroidered Cap Reichsadler Eagle Insignia. Both are still on their original backing, and show no stitch marks. One is the usual Olive Background with Tan and Slate Blue stitching for the Afrikakorps. The Second is a 1st Pattern Heer Eagle with Slate Gray and White stitching, but these have been seen on DAK items as well.

– One German WWII Iron Cross 2nd Class 1939 (Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse 1939) with Ribbon. This fine example is in very good condition, and is maker marked 25 on the hanger ring, for Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Graveur-Gold-und Silverschmeide-Innungen in Hanau Germany. 

– One German WWII 13 March 1938 Anschluss Commemorative Medal with Ribbon Pin. This is in good condition, though the ribbon definitely has color fading on the front side. The pin catch is fully functional.

– One Italian-German WWII African Campaign Medal with Ribbon and Pin. This is in good shape, though the bronze wash on the tombak medal is completely gone. The ribbon and pin are in good shape.

– One German WWII Heer Aluminum Insignia for an Afrikakorps Pith Sun Helmet. This is in good condition, and still has the original clips on the back  to attach it to the helmet, though they are bent against the body of the badge. The back is marked with the “Barred A” logo of F.W. Assmann & Sohne.

– One Uniform Cut Off German WWII Afrikakorps BeVo Embroidered Breast Eagle. This is in great shape, and still has the original stitching and marks where it was attached to a uniform previously. Interestingly, the eagle itself is woven from tan and golden yellow thread, which usually is associated with the Kriegsmarine, but this does not match any Navy eagles we have seen.

A wonderful totally genuine grouping perfect for the WWII German Afrikakorps collector.

There is no more iconic German military award than the Iron Cross. The long history of this order began during the Napoleonic Wars. King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia instituted the Eisernes Kreuz (Iron Cross) in March of 1813. The award criteria changed somewhat with time, but generally speaking, Iron Crosses could be awarded for individual acts of bravery, or for leadership achievements on the battlefield. The design was created by a Karl Friedrich Schinkel, his choice of the black cross with silver outline was derived from the heraldic emblem of the Teutonic Knights.

The final reinstitution of the cross came in 1939. For this version, the front of the core for both grades bore a swas and the date 1939. The oak leaves, crown and royal initials were removed from the reverse, with only the date 1813 remaining as a reminder of the legacy of this award. In WWII, hundreds of thousands of Iron Cross First Class awards were bestowed, and four and a half million Iron Cross Second Class awards. Iron Crosses were made by a large number of authorized manufacturers. Some variants of these awards were mass produced in huge numbers. Others were made in very limited quantities.

Please also note the edge seam for authentication, which is not present on reproductions. Iron crosses were commonly constructed from an iron core sandwiched in a surrounding two part silver frame, normally the seam of these two silver parts is visible around the edge of the cross as is seen on this fine example.

Anschluss Commemorative Medal of 13 March 1938
Known in German as Die Medaille zur Erinnerung an den 13. März 1938, this is an interwar period medal. Instituted on May 1, 1938, the medal commemorated the annexation of Austria to the German Reich, the so-called Anschluss. The move was the first in AH’s quest for Lebensraum, and it strengthened German flanks while weakening those of Czechoslovakia. German troops crossed the border on March 12, 1938, without meeting any resistance. The stage had been set by a series of “incidents” provoked by members of the NSDAP Party in Austria, and diplomatic pressure and ultimatums set forth by the German government. This first action, while perhaps raising suspicions, did not cause general alarm in the world community, as it seemed to be done by choice of the Austrian people who spoke German.

The medal, known as the “Anschluss medal”, was awarded to all those Austrians who contributed to or participated in the annexation as well as the members of the Austrian National Socialism movement. It was also awarded to German State officials and members of the German Wehrmacht and SS who marched into Austria.

Italian-German WWII African Campaign Medal
Awarded to soldiers of the Wehrmacht and Italian troops who worked together in the North African theater of war. The round award is constructed out of a die struck tombak base that has been bronze washed. The obverse of the award features two gladiators fighting together to keep a crocodiles jaws closed. Beside the gladiators it is written “Lorioli Milano” (manufacturing company and location) below them it is written “De Marchis” (the designer of the award). The reverse features the Arch of Fileni, above the Savoy knot and inside of a fasces (left) and a static swas (right), which is all surrounded by “Campagna Italo Tedesca in Africa – Italienisch Deutscher Feldzug in Afrika” (Medal for the Italian-German campaign in Africa (in both German and Italian)). Attached to the award is 3 inches of black, white, red and green rayon ribbon. Shows period wear and the ribbon is well worn. The award features a quality tombak base, wonderful detail and symbolism!