A very nice and rare half zinc Erkennungsmarke from a member of the Estnische Sicherungsgruppe 182.

This was a volunteer guard unit formed in January 1942 that consisted almost entirely of Estonian volunteers. Six of these battalions were formed, numbering from 181 to 186. The battalion was deployed for security duties in Estonia.

In addition to fighting Russian partisans in Estonia behind the lines of the 18th Army, it saw brief deployment to the front in October 1941. On October 23, 1942, the battalion was redesignated Ost-Bataillon 658, and continued to operate as an army unit in Estonia and northern Russia. The battalion was disbanded in June 1944, and its remaining personnel were transferred to the 20th Estonian SS division. Although we do not know exactly where it was found, we presume it was found in the Narva area.

The tag itself is in very good, solid condition, with the markings clearly readable.

A very rare tag from a lesser-known Baltic volunteer unit. Perfect textbook example.