Afrika Korps Enlisted Men's Silk Woven Breast Eagle

Elevate your collection with this authentic Afrika Korps enlisted man’s silk woven breast eagle, a meticulously crafted WWII German military collectible. Woven in Be-Vo style with a light blue eagle on a dark grey background, this breast eagle was worn by enlisted men of the Deutsches Afrika Korps (DAK) during the North African Campaign of World War II (1941–1943). Below, we explore its historical significance, material composition, and value for collectors and historians.

Historical Background

The Afrika Korps enlisted man’s breast eagle was worn by enlisted personnel of the Deutsches Afrika Korps, a German expeditionary force under Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, during the North African Campaign (1941–1943). The DAK fought in battles like Tobruk (1941–1942) and El Alamein (1942), operating in harsh desert conditions. This Be-Vo style breast eagle, sewn onto the right breast of DAK uniforms, signified unit affiliation. Crafted under Wehrmacht standards, this eagle reflects the DAK’s unique desert warfare role, making it a significant artifact for WWII studies.

Material & Condition

This Afrika Korps enlisted man’s breast eagle is silk woven in Be-Vo style with a light blue eagle on a dark grey background, measuring 5.5 cm by 4.5 cm and weighing 1g. Designed for sewing onto DAK uniforms, the silk provides a lightweight, durable base suited for desert environments. Authentic period pieces may show slight wear, such as silk fraying or color fading, with consistent weaving indicating wartime production. Collectors should distinguish originals from reproductions, which may use synthetic materials or lack the precision of Be-Vo craftsmanship.

Collector’s Insight

The Afrika Korps enlisted man’s breast eagle is a rare piece of Third Reich memorabilia, valued for its connection to the Deutsches Afrika Korps and its distinctive Be-Vo design. The light blue eagle on dark grey makes it a focal point for collectors of WWII German military collectibles, particularly those interested in the North African Campaign and DAK insignia. Its historical significance lies in its association with Rommel’s desert forces, appealing to enthusiasts of Wehrmacht history.

This breast eagle is ideal for military historians, museum curators, and reenactors seeking accurate uniform components for educational displays or living-history events. Given its sensitive historical context, collectors must handle this artifact with respect, using it to educate about WWII’s complexities rather than glorifying the associated ideology. For preservation, store the eagle in an acid-free, archival-quality sleeve or case to protect against moisture, UV light, and silk degradation. Displaying it in a museum-quality shadow box with historical documentation enhances its educational value, offering a tangible link to the era of the Third Reich’s Afrika Korps.