Waffen-SS Estonian Volunteer Sleeve Shield

Product Description: This Waffen-SS Estonian Volunteer Sleeve Shield is a nice example of this desirable piece of SS insignia. It’s an unissued patch, with no indication of ever having been worn on a uniform sleeve. It shows typical wartime machine embroidered construction, with a tricolor shield in the blue, black and white colors of Estonia, on a backing of standard black SS wool badge cloth. The embroidery is neatly done, with no issues, and still retains bright original color. The backing cloth shows no stitch holes, fraying, mothing, tears or any other damage, and is just as it would have been when issued. On the reverse, the embroidery shows the expected white bobbin thread. There is a rectangular patch of what looks to be glue residue on the rear from a sticker. This Waffen-SS Estonian Volunteer is a choice piece, 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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