Finland, Republic. A Lot of Medals & Decorations

1.Finland. An Order of the Cross of Liberty, IV Class. 

Instituted in 1918. Cross in white enamel, running through each arm of the cross on the obverse is a gold enamel resembling a swastika, obverse centerpiece shows gold rose on black enamel background, inclusive of sword suspension 65.3 mm (h) x 39 mm (w), on original striped ribbon with bow, near mint condition.  

Footnote: The Order of the Cross of Liberty was instituted on the 4th of March, 1918, upon the initiative of General C.G Mannerheim. It is Finland's highest civil and military decoration for meritorious service. The Cross of Liberty has a red ribbon when it is granted in war time and a yellow ribbon when it is awarded in time of peace.

2.Finland. A Winter War Medal

Instituted in 1940. In iron, the obverse centerpiece bears the silhouette of a snow-covered rifleman surrounded by eight provincial coats of arms of Finland and the dates 1939–1940, the reverse inscription reads KUNNIA ISÄNMAA, 41 mm (h) x 30mm (w), on original black ribbon, in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Winter War 1939-1940 Medal was instituted on 2 August 1940 to commemorate the war of 1939–1940. It was awarded to soldiers and civilians for serving the Nation’s best interests, in particular, to honor those who had helped to keep Finland’s independence.

3. Finland. Continuation War Medal 1941-44. 

Instituted in 1957. In bronze, the obverse shows a dagger wrapped in laurel wreath surrounded by the inscription ISANMAA 1941-1944, reverse shows coat of arms, on original blue ribbon, evidence of light wear on bronze medallion, 31 mm, extremely fine condition.

Footnote:The Finnish Continuation War Commemorative Medal 1941-1945 is a Finnish medal awarded to participants in the Continuation War (1941-1945). It was instituted on 24 May 1957, 12 years after the end of the war.