Condition: Excellent
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Product Description: This Flemish Wolfsangel Sleeve Shield is an outstanding example of an extremely hard to find piece of insignia. This pattern of sleeve badge was used in a variety of Flemish collaboration units, such as the paramilitary movements Dietsche Militie and Zwarte Brigade. It was also used by Flemish volunteers in the Luftwaffe NSKK. This sleeve shield is made of a yellow fabric, with a plain weave, formed over a buckram stiffener. The front of the shield is adorned with a Flemish Wolfsangel runic emblem, which is made of a separate piece of black wool fabric that is machine stitched to the shield. The reverse of this Flemish Wolfsangel Sleeve Shield shows textbook buckram, neat folds to the yellow fabric, and the stitching used to affix the rune. There is some slight, minor discoloration, probably due to the glue used to assemble this shield. There are no stitch holes or traces of wear, no mothing or tears. This collaborationist patch is very rare, and in excellent plus condition.
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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