Description
In February 1943 the Germans began the formation of a new division to be manned by Latvian volunteers and conscripts. Originally designated, 15. Lettische SS-Freiwilligen-Division, (15TH Latvian SS Volunteer Division), it would eventually evolve into the 15. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (lettische Nr.1). As with other foreign “volunteer” units an identifying, national, sleeve shield was designed and produced for wear by all divisional personnel with the design being based on the Latvian national flag which dates back to 1279. The Latvian “volunteer” sleeve shield was produced in no less then five, slightly different, variants and this example is one of the first types produced. Latvian manufactured official sleeve shield for Latvian volunteers serving in the Waffen-SS. Made with a multi-piece production, the reverse is stamped by the manufacture. This is an unissued example. Great piece, and RARE for any SS collector.
