Original German WWII Rare Luftwaffe Afrikakorps DAK Web Belt with Steel Buckle - dated 1940

Item DescriptionOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very rare totally genuine WWIIDeutsches Afrikakorps(DAK) tropical waist belt, with correct Luftwaffe EM/NCO's Steel Painted Belt Buckle (Koppelschloß). It is embossed with the wartime Luftwaffe straight tail eagle on a pebbled central field, surrounded by a laurel leaf wreath. The buckle is of 1940 pattern, die stamped, steel (magnetic) construction, with a dark Luftwaffe blue grey painted finish, which is still present about 90% on the front of the buckle, with wear on the raised areas from service. The back retains the paint at about the same amount, showing some oxidation, and there are no maker markings we can see. The original leather tab is unfortunately missing.The DAK tan colored web belt has a leather tab with the usual seven double vertically holes for length adjustment, though the leather is a bit stained and dry. The buckle end has tan stitching over the end to prevent fraying, also present on the clip end. The belt measures 34 inches in overall length, and it is marked90on the buckle end, for 90cm (34.5in.), so it may have shrunk a bit. The base of the leather tab is stamped with the maker information and date:-DüſſeldorfFernruf 102191940Overall a lovely example of a very rare belt and buckle from the Luftwaffe division of the Deutsches Afrikakorps, DAK!History of the German Africa CorpsThe Afrikakorps or German Africa Corps (German: Deutsches Afrikakorps, 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. The unit's best known commander was Field Marshal Erwin Rommel.The dry climate of Africa proved to be an issue with much of the standard leather field gear that the German Army usually used. It would dry out and crack quickly, and become unusable. To deal with this, the standard field gear such as belts, Y-straps, A-frames, bayonet frogs, and other items, were issued in special tropical web versions.Shipping RestrictionsThis product is available for international shipping.Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or GermanyPayment OptionsNot eligible for payment with Paypal or AmazonLegal InformationDue to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.