Lot 1549: Set of World War II Fallschirmjaeger Regiment Cuff Titles

A rarely seen artifact from one of the most elite units in the Wehrmacht, this grouping includes five cuff titles from the First and Second Fallschirmjaeger Regiments. One of the most famous airborne outfits of the war, the Fallschirmjaegers developed a reputation as highly skilled and effective light infantry, and while not committed to large-scale parachute drops after the Battle of Crete they still distinguished themselves in Africa and Europe. Issue of cuffs to parachute units was very limited, and on paper ended in 1939. In practice, photographs do indicate that some did continue to wear their cuffs after that date, likely veteran men looking to showcase their "old fighter" status. For Regiment 3 in particular, the cuffs were never formally issued, and were entirely private purchased. All five included cuffs are white or silver embroidery on a green background, most being a deep "hunter green" associated with jaeger/light infantry units. Two of the cuffs are marked "Fallschirm-Jager Rgt. 2", with white lettering and untrimmed edges, the other in silver bullion with silver piped edges, the latter of the style associated with paratrooper officers. Three titles are for "Fallschirm-Jager Rgt.3", two with clear borders one in white thread, the other in silver), and a silver bullion lettered cuff with silver piped edges. Notes provided by the consignor attribute all three as formerly of the collection of George Petersen, used as photo references in the book "German Military Cuffbands 1784-Present" by Gordon Williamson and Thomas McGuirl (pages 152 and 153). Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection

Very good overall, showing mild wear and a small amount of staining. The un-piped, silver bullion Regiment 3 title shows a few small holes.