Ordensburgen Cuff Title

[Avitas]

Hello gents,

I just picked up this Ordensburgen cuff title this morning and thought I would put it up for opinions as this is my first cuff title and I am not an expert on this item. From what I have researched so far it appears to have correct stitching and materials. I think it is made of rayon and the stitching appears and feels metallic, or at least a very firm thread type. It is 415 mm (about 14 1/2 inches) long and comes with a guarantee of authenticity. This is a unique cuff title from what can closest be described as "nazi college", as the Ordensburgen (Order Castles) were NSDAP indoctrination schools for older HJ members or members that had recently finished the program. The teachings of the young adults in National Socialistic ideology actually took place in real castles, to emphasise the grandeur of the German people and its history, which were main subjects in the Ordensburgen program. I would appreciate any comments on its originality and if anyone has any other info or items from the Ordensburgen please post them here.

Cheers and thanks for any help,

Pat

[Avitas]

Here is a close up of the stitching on the front for further reference.

Cheers,

Pat

[Avitas]

Lastly for now, here is the stictching on the reverse. From what I understand, these were worn my senior Hitler Youth leaders and other teachers in the party. Like I said, from what I have seen it looks good, but please leave your opinions and show yours as well! Also, any more historical notes or interesting facts I may have left out on the Ordensburgen are very welcome.

Thanks again,

Pat

[Avitas]

I should also point out that the cuff title is in slightly worn condition, with minor wear on the item, making some worn parts shiny. The silver thread is pitch black under black light (not sure if it matters on this type of thread) and the loose unraveled thread I burn tested burned like a fuse with little to no residue, and no harsh smell and no ball of plastic at the end of the burnt thread. I think it is ok as modern copies are usually either minty or totally abused looking and the tests (for what they are worth) both check out ok. I know this is a pretty obscure item so any help is really helpful.

Cheers,

Pat

[Avitas]

Hello again,

I am talking to the dealer that sold me this tomorrow and I was wondering if anyone sees anything wrong with it, as I can still return it if it is bad. Again, I don't have any reason to believe it is fake, but any help is really great. I will also get some more info on this cuff title and the Ordensburgen organization from him tomorrow as he said he had some more info on it. Thanks in advance for any advice on this nice cuff title, and I hope it checks out, but I understand it is a pretty obscure little corner of TR militaria so it is pretty hard to tell by pics alone.

Cheers,

Pat

[Bob Coleman]

No problem with your cufftitle. 100% correct. These came in both brown and black fields. I have a hand embroidered example with silver piping on the edges for a high ranking official. It is attached to a reiter style tunic and presently in storage as I am moving.

Good piece!

Edited August 21, 2006 by Bob Coleman

[Avitas]

Thanks Bob, your contributions to the forum are a great help and glad to have you here!

It also is very "limp" so that just adds a bit more to it, and I am happy to know it is indeed a good one. I talked to Walter (the dealer) and he gave me some more info on the Ordensburgen. It turns out my example is machine woven in black, and was the 1st pattern authorized in 1937 and was used until it was changed to silver and tan in colour. Ordensburgen (Order Castles) are the highest level of political education for young members who were destined to become the political elite. Boys or girls were selected from other organizations, BDM , Hitler Youth etc, and attended one of 24 National Political Training Institutes(Napola) but there were only 4 Ordensburgen with 1000 students each. Duration of 1 year of training at each castle.

I haven't heard much more about this organization, and apparently the cuff-title was the only form of identification insignia for the organization. If anyone else has one, please post it!

Cheers,

Pat

[Bob Coleman]

Pat-

Your information is correct. For more examples, may I suggest picking up a copy of the soon to be released reference book on the uniforms, headgear, flags and insignia of the political organizations. The author is Jeff Clark and it is being published by Schiffer. It is my understanding that it will become available late this year.

There was a large grouping of the brown cufftitles vet purchased about five years ago. Bill Shea bought a number of them and may still have them listed on his site.