Latvija Shields

[Felix]

Evening gentlemen!

The topic of Latvija or Latvia shields has not been covered to the full yet, I believe. I have recently recieved these 3 shields and would welcome any opinions. The middle one is what is commony refered to as such as a Dachau pattern one.

Cheers
//Felix

[Felix]

Reverse

[Felix]

Closer

[Felix]

Rev

[Lasse L]

While I cannot comment on these shields shown here, I would be supprised if it did not exist quite a number of different variations. The 20. Waffen-Grenadier-Division der SS "Estnische" and the two Latvian-Divisions seams to have had quite a few different versions of their insignias, both collartabs and arm shields.

Maybe we should attempt to list the different variations known?

[Felix]

Not many answers I am sad to say. Thanks Lasse for your contribution.

How about this shield then?

[Felix]

Rev.

[Chris S.]

The far right one looks like a copy of the Lenta shield, equally I don't like the left one..looks like a copy of the Dachau variant. The latter shield you have posted I do like. I'll post some of my own shields latter for comparison.




Cheers,

Chris

[Chris S.]

Shields

[Felix]

Thanks Chris!

I know what you mean. The left and right shield in the top photo are controversial to say the least. Probably fakes as you point out. However I believe this topic has yet not been fully explored and therefore I wish a continued discussion. I have to say that I have not really seen any fakes that are common that resembles the ones I posted as well (left and right) Centre is a text book "Dachau" version. They all came together and for a fair price to be clear. No money lost if bad. All three was USD 30 together. So, please fire away your thoughts.

The last one I posted is IMHO an original, as you also think Chris. BTW nice collection of Latvia shields that you post. I am hunting for the Lenta Riga shield, but they are rare to find.

More opinions are welcome and thanks so far for your advice.

//Felix

[Chris S.]

Hi Felix,

I will post some of my fake shields to add to the discussion when I get a chance. You did well to pick the original Dachau one up for 30$. There are many different variations of the 'Latvija' shield, again i will post some pictures of the various ones being worn in original war-time pics for reference.


Thanks for the comments, the Lenta one is difficult to track down, mine actually being the one worn by my great-uncle who was in the 15th division

Cheers,

Chris

[Felix]

Thanks Chris for your time and energy! Much welcome! These volunteer shields is a topic that is hard to master. I have to admit it is not my field at all. I therefore welcome good advice. However I do have some interest in them.
To have a Lenta Shield that comes from your own family must be a very nice item to have.

Please post more info about fakes and originals, it is very much appreciated.

Cheers
//Felix

[Edgar Alcidi]

Guys, I was wondering about a Latvia Shield seen on a period portrait and I came across this helpful thread....

Here the photo