FINLAND – Medal of Liberty, 1st Class, 1939
kr 400.00
Description
FINLAND – Medal of Liberty, 1st Class, 1939
(1. luokan Vapaudenmitali 1939 / Frihetsmedaljen av 1:a klass)
The Medal of Liberty, 1st Class belongs to the Order of the Cross of Liberty, Finland’s military and defence order of merit. The Cross and Medal of Liberty were originally established on 4 March 1918 on the initiative of General C.G.E. Mannerheim, with the insignia designed by the renowned Finnish artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela. The Order was revived during the Winter War of 1939–1940 and later made permanent.
This 1939 issue was awarded during the Winter War against the Soviet Union, primarily to military personnel for distinguished wartime service and bravery. Within the Order, the Medal of Liberty existed in two classes, the First Class ranking above the Second Class. The National Museum of Finland records the 1939 First Class type as a silver medal measuring approximately 29 mm in diameter, suspended from a blue ribbon with narrow white edge stripes.
The obverse depicts the crowned Lion of Finland, holding a sword, surrounded by the bilingual inscription “URHEUDESTA – FÖR TAPPERHET,” meaning “For Bravery” in Finnish and Swedish. The use of both languages reflects Finland’s official bilingual tradition. Small heraldic roses appear at the sides of the inscription.
The reverse carries a wreath surrounding the inscription “SUOMEN KANSALTA 1939,” translating as “From the Finnish People, 1939.” The date firmly associates this version with the Winter War period. The restrained design and inscription underline the medal’s character as a national recognition of individual military merit rather than a general campaign medal.
The decoration is worn from the characteristic light-blue ribbon with narrow white stripes near each edge. This ribbon distinguishes the First Class Medal of Liberty from the bronze Second Class, which was normally worn from a different ribbon.
Condition: Very Fine; medal shows even age-related toning, light scratches and handling wear while retaining clear relief, inscriptions and heraldic details. Suspension ring intact. Blue-and-white ribbon remains complete with good colour, showing minor creasing and age-related wear consistent with period use.
