WW2 German Wehrmacht Turkish Volunteer Collar Tab Set – Turkestan Legion (Türkistanische Legion) This is an original matching set of collar tabs worn by volunteers of the Türkistanische Legion, a foreign volunteer formation of the German Heer (Army) composed of Turkic-speaking Muslim recruits from Soviet Central Asia. Each collar tab features a dark green wool body trimmed with bright royal blue Waffenfarbe piping, the branch color designating service within the foreign legions recruited from the Soviet East. The tabs are unissued and textbook examples of late-war manufacture, with folded cotton construction and machine-stitched detailing. Formed officially in 1942 under the administrative umbrella of the Deutsche Heeresmission and later the Osttruppen, the Türkistanische Legion was part of the broader German strategy to exploit ethnic and political divisions within the Soviet Union following the massive prisoner captures during Unternehmen Barbarossa. The legion fell under the jurisdiction of the Inspekteur der Osttruppen, and its soldiers were designated as Hilfswillige (Hiwis) or foreign volunteers serving in non-German formations. The legion included volunteers from the Uzbek, Turkmen, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tatar, and other Turkic peoples, and was one of several so-called Ostlegionen (Eastern Legions), which also included the Georgische Legion, Armenische Legion, and the Aserbaidschanische Legion. Although initially relegated to rear-echelon security and anti-partisan roles in the occupied territories, by 1943 many units of the Türkistanische Legion were redeployed to the Western Front, Italy, and the Balkans under the command of the Wehrmacht or even absorbed into Waffen-SS structures such as the SS-Waffengruppe Turkestan. This collar tab set was intended for wear on the standard Heeresfeldbluse (M36/M40/M42 tunics), typically with matching blue-piped shoulder boards. The lack of divisional insignia or device on the tabs is consistent with the simplified insignia system used for Osttruppen, where distinctions of rank and assignment were kept minimal and frequently improvised in field conditions. These insignia represent a poignant artifact of Germany’s wartime manpower shortages and the geopolitical complexities of the Eastern Front, where anti-Soviet sentiment, survival, and forced collaboration led tens of thousands of former Red Army soldiers to fight—often under duress—in German uniform. They remain a powerful historical reminder of the blurred lines between coercion and allegiance in total war. At VDG Militaria, we are dedicated to providing collectors with an exceptional selection of original military antiques. Our passion for history and commitment to authenticity ensure that every item we offer is thoroughly researched, accurately described, and meticulously photographed. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to the world of militaria, our curated inventory includes a diverse range of artifacts from various periods and conflicts. From uniforms and insignia to medals and equipment, we aim to connect you with pieces that tell the stories of the past. Our expertise and attention to detail mean you can trust that every item you purchase is genuine and precisely represented. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we strive to make your collecting experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. If you have any inquiries or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Using the Offer Feature We are pleased to offer a "Make an Offer" feature on our website, allowing you to negotiate the price of items that catch your eye. Once you submit an offer, expect an email from us shortly after. If your offer is accepted, the email will include a special payment link for your convenience. Please check your spam folder if you have strict email filters. We promise to respond to all offers as quickly as possible. If you do not hear from us within one business day, feel free to reach out directly via phone or text at the contact information below to ensure your request is promptly addressed. Contact Us For the fastest response, we recommend reaching out via email or text. We typically reply to emails and text messages the quickest. 📧 Email: vdgmilitaria@yahoo.com
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