Finnish Order Of The Cross of Liberty, Mourning Cross With Swords, 1918

The Order of the Cross of Liberty is one of three official orders in Finland, along with the Order of the White Rose of Finland and the Order of the Lion of Finland. The Order of the Cross of Liberty was founded on March 4, 1918, upon the initiative of General C. G. E. Mannerheim. The decorations of the Order of the Cross of Liberty were initially conferred only in time of war. A decree was issued on August 18, 1944 enabling the decorations to be awarded in peacetime. The medal of Mourning (VM surumitali) was given to the nearest relative of a person killed in non-military duty of war industry or national defence (if given with swords).

This is a two piece, die struck alloy award with a silver plated and black enamel finish. The award is in the form of a black enameled Maltese style cross with an embossed silver plated, reversed, swastika and separate White Rose of Finland mounted to the center. The reverse of the award features the embossed date: “1941”. The award has its medal ring complete with a laurel leaf wreath with swords attached with a suspension ring. The reverse of the wreath has a bar to attach the ribbon with a two piece, black ribbed rayon ribbon. The medal is in good condition with light signs of age and handling.

Very nice exampel!!