DAK Afrika Korps Unterfeldwebel Shoulder Boards

Elevate your collection with these authentic DAK Afrika Korps Unterfeldwebel shoulder boards, a meticulously crafted WWII German military collectible. Made from green canvas with 9mm tan cotton lace, these shoulder boards represent the rank insignia for the Unterfeldwebel in the Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) during the North African campaign. Below, we explore their historical significance, material composition, and value for collectors and historians.

Historical Background

The DAK Afrika Korps Unterfeldwebel shoulder boards were worn by Unterfeldwebel-ranked non-commissioned officers in the Deutsches Afrikakorps, the German expeditionary force in North Africa, from 1941 to 1943. The Afrika Korps, led by commanders like Erwin Rommel, fought in campaigns such as the Siege of Tobruk (1941), the Battle of El Alamein (1942), and the Tunisia Campaign (1942–1943). The Unterfeldwebel, the second-lowest NCO rank, led small units in the harsh desert environment. The green canvas and tan cotton lace were designed for durability and visibility in desert conditions. Crafted under Wehrmacht standards, these shoulder boards reflect the Afrika Korps’ unique role in the Third Reich’s military, making them a significant artifact for WWII studies.

Material & Condition

These DAK Afrika Korps Unterfeldwebel shoulder boards are crafted from green canvas with 9mm tan cotton lace, measuring 10 cm by 4.5 cm and weighing 18g per pair. Designed for sewing onto Afrika Korps uniforms, the green canvas provides a rugged base suited for desert warfare, while the tan cotton lace adds a distinctive, authoritative contrast, signifying NCO rank. Authentic period pieces may show slight wear, such as canvas fading or lace fraying, with subtle stitching variations indicating wartime production. Collectors should distinguish originals from reproductions, which may use synthetic materials or lack the texture of wartime canvas and cotton.

Collector’s Insight

The DAK Afrika Korps Unterfeldwebel shoulder boards are a rare piece of Third Reich memorabilia, highly valued for their connection to the Afrika Korps’ NCOs and their desert-adapted design. The green canvas and tan cotton lace make them a focal point for collectors of WWII German military collectibles, particularly those interested in the North African campaign and rank insignia. Their historical significance lies in their association with the Afrika Korps’ desert warfare, appealing to enthusiasts of Nazi Germany’s expeditionary forces.

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