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This is an original, rare sleeve patch (German: Ärmelschild), used by Georgian volunteers serving in German Wehrmacht units during World War II.
The patch is shield-shaped, printed (not embroidered) on a backing of thick, raw cotton in field gray, which is typical for mass-produced variants. In the upper part is a black bar with white inscription "GEORGIEN" (German for Georgia). The main part of the shield features the national flag of Georgia: a white field with a large red shield, and a small black and white rectangle in the upper left corner. The entire patch is surrounded by a thin black border.
The condition is very good, with only minimal fabric creasing and raw edges from being cut from a sheet, suggesting the patch was likely never sewn onto a uniform (unissued). There is no visible mechanical damage or stains.
Historically, the Georgian Legion was formed with Hitler's permission in December 1941. Georgian volunteers, motivated by anti-Soviet sentiment and the desire for independence, served in various theaters of operation, including the Eastern Front and Normandy (as Osttruppen), where they wore these shields on the upper right sleeve of their field uniform. While nominally serving the Third Reich, many viewed this service as a pathway to future independence from Soviet domination. Today, they are an important and rare element of historical collections from this period.