Waffen-SS Latvian Volunteer Sleeve Shield

Condition: Excellent /Near Mint
Base Material: Wool
Height: 2.38”
Width: 1.82”

This is an unissued, near-mint example of the Waffen-SS Latvian Volunteer Sleeve Shield, as worn by members of the Latvian volunteers serving in the Waffen-SS. This shield is wool construction flat topped, rounded, with a pointed bottom tip with a central white diagonal bar and white script, “Latvija” to the top. This example has never been stitched to a uniform and shows only extremely faint age toning. A choice example of the Waffen-SS Latvian Volunteer Sleeve Shield.

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As German military power stretched across Europe, many people in the occupied countries volunteered to fight for the German cause. Some were ideologues, some were opportunists, and some probably “volunteered” because they had no other choice. In some areas, the Germans eagerly sought volunteers; in others, the Germans were less trusting, and the formation of volunteer units proceeded slowly. But by the end of the war, approximately one million foreign volunteers and conscripts were among those who had fought under Hitler. To distinguish these from German troops, and as a mark of distinction, the Germans authorized special insignia for wear by these volunteers. The insignia took the form of a cloth shield, either woven, embroidered, or printed, that was to be sewn on the uniform sleeve. Some of the foreign volunteer shields were used by specific units of the German Army or Waffen-SS. Others were worn by members of a variety of units and even paramilitary organizations. The design of each shield was chosen to represent the wearer’s nationality. Some were as simple as a national flag or colors, others had more complex designs.