Finland, Republic. Order of the Lion of Finland, Cross of Merit, Fullsize and Miniature

(Suomen Leijonan suurristi). Instituted in 1942. Fullsize: four-piece construction, lion in silver gilt centered upon a red enamelled disk, mounted to a silver cross base, marked with the crown national mark, maker marked "AT" within a diamond-shaped border (Alexander Tillander, Helsinki), marked "830" (silver) and date marked "B8" (1979) on the obverse of the integral ring, measuring 41 mm (w) x 45.5 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, large rosette affixed to its original ribbon; and Miniature: two-piece construction, in silver with red enamels, measuring 16.3 mm (w) x 18.5 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, original ribbon. Intact enamels, very light contact, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Lion of Finland was instituted on September 11, 1942 and is awarded for civilian and military merit, in six grades: Commander Grand Cross, Commander I Class, Commander, Knight I Class, Knight, Cross of Merit, plus a "Pro Finlandia" Medal.