Original German WWII Azerbaijan (Aserbaidschan) Sleeve Shield Foreign Volunteer

Original German WWII Azerbaijan (Aserbaidschan) Sleeve Shield Foreign Volunteer-Following the launch of Operation Barbarossa on June 22, 1941, German forces encountered various non-ethnic Russian groups—many of whom welcomed the Wehrmacht as liberators from Soviet rule. Despite Hitler's deep mistrust of their ethnic origins and loyalty, frontline commanders recognized the strategic advantage of employing these volunteers, particularly amid increasing manpower shortages. By the summer of 1941, non-ethnic Russian POWs and volunteers were being utilized in labor and logistical support roles, often against Hitler's direct orders.Azerbaijan was of strategic importance during WWII due to its vital oil reserves. The German military's 1942 Operation Edelweiss aimed to seize the oil fields in Baku and cripple Soviet fuel supplies—a campaign that brought increased military and political attention to the region.This is an excellent, unissued example of the German-issued sleeve shield for Azerbaijani volunteers who served in the Wehrmacht. The shield is screen-printed in vivid blue, red, and green over a black field, with a red background. The word 'Aserbaidschan' appears prominently across the top in red block letters.This shield is the standard printed version intended for wear on the upper right sleeve of the uniform. It remains in excellent, unissued condition, retaining vibrant color and crisp detail—a fine example of foreign volunteer insignia from the Eastern Legions.