2nd South African Field Artillery (SAFA-II-SAVA) (Post-1923 Pattern) Bronze Shoulder Title

2nd South African Field Artillery (SAFA-II-SAVA) bronze shoulder title (post-1923 pattern), original example of South African military insignia associated with the South African Field Artillery.

The shoulder title is manufactured in bronze and bears the bilingual designation “SAFA – II – SAVA”, representing South African Field Artillery and its Afrikaans equivalent, Suid-Afrikaanse Veldartillerie. This bilingual format reflects the official use of both English and Afrikaans within the Union of South Africa following the reorganisation of the country’s armed forces in the early twentieth century.

Introduced after 1923, this pattern was worn on the shoulder straps of service dress uniforms by personnel of the 2nd South African Field Artillery. Shoulder titles served as an important means of identifying individual units while complementing the distinctive badges and insignia of the regiment.

The South African Field Artillery traces its origins to the volunteer artillery units of the late nineteenth century and became an integral component of the Union Defence Force following its establishment in 1912. During the Second World War, South African artillery units served with distinction in East Africa, North Africa, Madagascar, and Italy, providing essential fire support to Commonwealth forces throughout the conflict.

Bronze bilingual shoulder titles of this pattern are particularly sought after by collectors of South African militaria, representing the evolution of the Union Defence Force and the distinctive dual-language identity adopted by South African military units during the inter-war and wartime periods.

Manufactured in bronze with original attachment fittings to the reverse, this example represents an authentic and historically significant piece of South African artillery insignia.

Dimensions

Approx. 35mm width

Condition

Good overall original condition, with crisp lettering and an attractive age-related bronze patina. Light wear, minor surface marks, and signs of service use and storage may be present. Reverse fittings remain intact and secure. No significant damage or repairs evident.