Germany, SS. A Rare 15th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Latvian) Flak/Artillery Volunteer’s Tunic

(Waffenrock für Männer der 15. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS (lettische Nr. 1)). A rare and very well-preserved service tunic for a volunteer of the 15th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Latvian), constructed of field-grey wool twill. The tunic features a turned-down collar transitions into double breast lapels, flanked on each side by collar tabs. Each constructed of black wool with buckram cores, the right side of the collar features a second pattern divisional insignia consisting of a machine-embroidered silver-grey sun and stars (the latter representing Latvia’s three traditional regions of Courland, Letgallia, and Livland), while the left side rank tab presents plain, indicating a rank of SS-Mann. The matching tabs each measure 40 mm (w) x 55 mm (l). The shoulders are flanked by a matching set of straps, each constructed of black wool and trimmed with red piping, secured to the tunic with a reverse strap meeting an integral loop at the outer edge and with pebbled zink buttons on the inner edge. The straps both measure 45 mm (w) x 105 mm (l). Stitched onto the upper left arm is an array of insignia, topped by a one constructed of black wool and bearing a machine-embroidered silver-grey SS-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. Applied with its factory original zig-zag stitching, the eagle insignia measures 90 mm (w) x 42 mm (h). Directly below is an Oberschütze rank pip, constructed of black wool with silver-grey machine embroidery, measuring 50 mm in diameter. Finally, the arm also features a Latvian volunteer shield constructed of a black wool backer with a national emblem consisting of red and white machine embroidery, topped by an inscription of “LATVIJA”, measuring 45 mm (w) x 55 mm (h) overall. Each sleeve also features a vertical slit set into the wrist, closing with two bakelite buttons for an adjustable fit. Two pockets are set into each breast, all closing with scalloped flaps with reinforced buttonholes meeting pebbled zink buttons. Four sets of dual reinforced eyelets are distributed around the waistband for the accommodation of an optional belt hanger. The tunic closes with five pebbled zink buttons on the right flap meeting an equal number of reinforced buttonholes on the left flap. A grey rayon liner partially encompasses the interior, and presents plain with the exception of a narrow pocket on the lower right flap, topped by black ink size marks. The tunic measures approximately 440 mm across the shoulders, with an arm length of 570 mm, and an overall body length of 690 mm. Minor issues consistent with age and light usage are evident, and include some soiling to the wool with additional soiling and material fatigue to the exterior insignia, a small hole to the seam of the lower back, and some interior soiling. This rare and field-worn Latvian SS volunteer’s tunic is in an overall near extremely fine condition.