GERMAN WWII DAK UNIFORM -
The German Afrika Korps, Deutsches Afrikakorps (DAK) was the German expeditionary force in Libya and Tunisia during the North African Campaign of World War II. The force was kept as a distinct formation and became the main German contribution to Panzer Army Africa which evolved into the German-Italian Panzer Army (Deutsch-Italienische Panzerarmee) and Army Group Africa.

This is a WWII German Army uniform. As issued to DAK forces.

The design of the uniform consists of a heavy dutty cotton tunic. Khaki color. Four pocket design with scalloped flaps. Grayish-Green metal buttons are employed to close the pocket flaps and the front of the tunic.

The uniform would have been worn with a tropical helmet.

The uniform has a bullion construction Army officer eagle. It is sewn just above the left pocket. The design consists of an eagle with the wings fully spread. The head is facing to the right. It is clutching a circle with a swastika in the center. The circle represents a wreath.

The eagle patch is built onto a piece of material of similar color to the uniform. Then it is sewn in place. Notice that part of the patch touches the pocket flap. This was a common technique when applying the patch.

The inside of the collar shows a zig zag stitch pattern. This was done to strengthten the collar. The uniform does not have any manufacturer tags or markings.

The shoulder tabs are built to match the color of the uniform. The edges have orange piping applied to them. This indicates tropical branch. The strap is secured to the shirt via the use of a metal grayish-green button.

This uniform is currently being reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this uniform. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the uniform.