'Latvian' SS volunteer Sleeve Shield

German manufactured fifth and final pattern sleeve shield for Latvian volunteers serving in the 'Waffen-SS'. In February 1943 the Germans began the formation of a new division to be manned by Latvian volunteers. Latvian nationals were authorized the wear of an identifying sleeve shield to be worn just below the SS eagle on the upper left sleeve of the uniform. Waffen-SS RzM style arm-shield worn by soldiers of the '15. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (or 'Lettische Nr.1')'. Shield shaped base features a machine embroidered red shield with a white diagonal bar and white script 'Latvija' to the top. Th is shield originates almost certainly from the SS clothing department at the Dachau KZ when liberated in 1945. The shield is in mint and unissued condition and just bears some minor staining caused by years of storage!