The Metz 1944 cufflink
The cuff band is a valor and heritage badge of the German Wehrmacht. It was established on October 24, 1944, by Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel, Chief of the High Command of the Wehrmacht (OKW), in the name of Adolf Hitler. The cuff band was intended to honor the defenders of the French city of Metz, who had defended the city against the advancing Allied troops under General George Patton between August 27 and December 13, 1944.
The cuff band was awarded by the leader of the combat group, Major General von Siegroth.
Requirements for the award of the Metz Cuff
The cuff ribbon could be awarded as a valor award to all members of the Wehrmacht and Waffen-SS who served honorably for at least seven days in the defense of the city as part of the "von Siegroth" combat group. In the case of a wounded soldier, the cuff ribbon could also be awarded for a deployment of less than seven days.
The cuff band could be awarded as a traditional badge to all officers, civil servants, non-commissioned officers and men of School VI for cadets of the Infantry School in Metz, as well as to students, provided they had belonged to the school at the end of 1944.
Design of the Metz cuff band
The band is made of a fairly coarse black fabric, bordered at the top and bottom with silver braid. "Metz 1944" is embroidered in white in the center. The sleeve band is rather simple in design and construction.
Size:
3 cm wide and not trimmed
approx. 45 cm long, ends sewn.
How to wear the Metz cuff
The ribbon could be worn on all Wehrmacht, Waffen-SS and Party uniforms on the left forearm, approximately 8 to 15 cm above the lower edge of the sleeve of the uniform.
For a long time, the actual awarding of the cuff band was considered controversial. Today, however, it is absolutely undisputed. In addition to numerous contemporary witnesses to the awarding and presentation, numerous photos of the wearers are known. Documents regarding the award remain unknown to this day. However, various entries in the military record and pay book are known.
Value and purchase of the Metz 1944 cufflink
Original cufflinks are extremely rare. Most of the cufflinks in circulation are more or less good copies, some of which have been on the market since the 1950s. Depending on its condition, an original cufflink is worth approximately €2.000. We are always interested in purchasing original cufflinks, photos of wearers, or entire estates.
