SEE BELOW FOR DESCRIPTION
SEE BELOW FOR DESCRIPTION
H005477 ASERBEIDSHANIAN VOLUNTEER'S SLEEVE SHIELD.
(Aserbaidschan Landeschilde)BACKGROUND: With the German invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22ND 1941 the German army encountered large segments of the non-ethnic Russian populace that greeted them as liberators from the yoke of Bolshevism. Although Hitler was suspicious of the ethnic make-up and loyalty of these personnel the German commanders in the field quickly saw the advantage of utilizing these willing personnel in non-combatant roles. As a result of manpower restrictions the German army began employing non-ethnic Russian POW’s and volunteers as laborers and supply personnel in the rear areas as early as the summer of 1941 against the express wishes of Hitler. In an attempt to convince the Turkistanis to ally themselves with the German cause, Hitler finally allowed the formation of a Turkistan Legion in November 1941 which was to be attached to the German 162ND Infantry Division as a parent and training unit. In December 1941 Hitler permitted three more foreign volunteer legions to be formed from non-ethnic Russian personnel including the Caucasian Moslem Legion. In early 1942, with further expansions, the Caucasian Moslem legion was divided in two creating the North Caucasian and the Aserbaidschan legions. As with other foreign volunteer legions members of the Aserbaidschan legion were allocated an identifying sleeve shield insignia that was introduced in 1942. In September 1943, the first pattern, (1942), identifying sleeve shield was altered by the addition of a crescent moon and star creating the second pattern.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: First pattern, printed, (silk screened), identifying sleeve shield consists of a scalloped topped, pointed bottom, shield shape base with three horizontal bars in blue, red and green with a narrow black outer border. The top of the shield has an additional, black, horizontal bar with red script, "Aserbaidschan". The shield is still on its original, red cotton factory roll and is in overall excellent, unissued condition.
GRADE ****1/2 PRICE $39.00
To Order this item, please use one of the two e-mail addresses below to contact us. Please make sure to quote the item number in your e-mail
MILITARIA WANTED! If you have items for sale, please contact us. We specialize in selling single pieces and entire collections. Over 3 decades in the business and we do all the work for you. Get the best return for your investment.
-E-Mail Address pawmac@nbnet.nb.ca Or guild@nb.aibn.com
To return to the main page please CLICK below