Germany, SS. A Collection of 15th Waffen Grenadier Division (1st Latvian) Insignia
(Abzeichen). A collection of insignia belonging to a member of the 15th Waffen Grenadier Division (1st Latvian), all in worn condition and collected from the same source in the USA, including: a collar tab constructed of black wool, presenting a stylized sunburst and stars emblem of the Latvian Army tradition in machine-embroidered grey threads, with a standard buckram backing typical of Dachau manufacturing, and in very fine condition. A pair of Waffen-SS Reconnaissance Scharführer’s shoulder straps constructed of black wool with silver tresses along the outer edges, in addition to edging in copper-brown (indicating Reconnaissance), the reverse presents a black wool tongue, each measuring 44 mm (w) x 114 mm (l), and in extremely fine condition. An arm shield in the red/white/red Latvian colours, displaying the word “LATVIJA” at the top, measuring 57 mm (w) x 58 mm (h), and in very fine condition. A sleeve insignia bearing a shield outlined in blue, topped with the word “LETTLAND” in golden-yellow lettering, with two fields presenting a red lion and white griffon, measuring 69 mm (w) x 82 mm (h), and in near extremely fine condition. A set of pre-war breast badges commemorating the Independent Students’ Company of Col. Kalpaka’s Battalion in the War of Independence 1918-1919, each constructed of amber, displaying a swastika bearing a silver sword, reverse shows screw backs, the larger badge maker marked “ARM.EKONOM.VELK. RIGA,” measures 31 mm (w) x 40 mm (h), and in fair condition, showing a crack in the amber, the smaller badge measures 20 mm (w) x 25 mm (h), and is in extremely fine condition.

