1st Pattern Aserbaidschan Shield

Product Description: This is an unssued, near mint, original example of the first pattern Aserbaidschan Volunteer Shield. This shield insignia is of the type that was introduced in 1942, to be worn on the uniform sleeve by foreign volunteers who enlisted to fight alongside the Wehrmacht as part of the Aserbaidschan Legion, later used to form the 162. (Turkestan) Infanterie-Division of the German Army. The insignia takes the form of a blue, red and green national shield, surmounted with the word “Aserbaidschan” (Azerbaijan). It’s machine woven “Bevo” construction, with a field gray rayon backing, and is exactly as it was when it was cut from the original factory roll. These early Bevo volunteer shields were later replaced with more simple, printed types that were easier to manufacture, though existing supplies were issued and worn until the end. This one has never been sewn on a tunic, or even folded, and is in near mint condition, with no stains or damage. It’s a great and textbook Aserbaidschan Volunteer Shield.

Historical Description:  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, 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.

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