Publisher: German occupation authorities / Waffen-SS

Designer: unknown

Printing technique: Lithography

Dimensions: approx. 44 × 31 cm

This original poster is a recruitment poster for the Eesti Leegion, issued under German occupation in Estonia during World War II. Unlike the much more common German and Western European propaganda posters, this type of poster was printed locally in limited editions, intended exclusively for regional recruitment campaigns within the Baltic region.

After the Soviet recapture of Estonia in 1944, SS-related propaganda was almost completely destroyed. As a result, original copies are extremely scarce, and most known pieces are now in museum collections or long-standing private collections. This explains why such Baltic posters rarely appear on the collector's market.

The design is simple and purposeful. The poster depicts a Waffen-SS soldier with a carbine, without unnecessary symbolism, executed in a style typical of Baltic war production. At the bottom is the Estonian slogan:

“IGA TÕSINE EESTLANE EESTI LEEGIONI!” ,

loosely translated as: “Every true Estonian to the Estonian Legion.”

This local language and direct message make the poster clearly distinguishable from standard German propaganda.

The combination of rarity, regional specificity, and pristine condition places this poster in the higher category of WWII paperwork. It is not a decorative object, but a historical document primarily sought after by specialized collectors of Baltic and Waffen-SS-related items.

Condition:

The poster is in good, original condition. The sheet is free of tears and shows no serious damage. The paper has slightly yellowed, which is characteristic of lower-quality Estonian war paper, which ages more quickly than Western European prints. The slightly coarser print quality also reflects the conditions of Baltic production and is a typical, recognizable feature of original posters from this region. The image remains clear and legible, with all essential elements clearly preserved.