This three-medal group represents Finnish and German military decorations from World War II and the Winter War (1939–1940). These awards highlight Finland’s military history and its alliance with Germany during WWII.
1. Order of the Cross of Liberty, 4th Class with Swords (1918 Issue)
Official Name: Vapaudenristin ritarikunta (Order of the Cross of Liberty)
Class: 4th Class with Swords (VR 4)
Dimensions: 46.53 mm (height) x 39.26 mm (width)
Material: Silvered metal with enamel details
Overview & Historical Significance:
Established on March 4, 1918, by General C.G.E. Mannerheim, shortly after Finland declared independence from Russia.
The 4th Class with Swords was awarded to soldiers for acts of bravery in combat.
It was extensively awarded during the Winter War (1939–1940) and the Continuation War (1941–1944) against the Soviet Union.
Finnish military awards were influenced by German Iron Cross designs, reflecting Finland's military traditions.
Design Details:
Obverse:
A black enameled cross with crossed swords, indicating a military award.
Central medallion features a gilt swastika, which was a pre-Nazi Finnish symbol of luck and national heritage.
Reverse:
Plain or engraved with the date.
2. Winter War 1939–1940 Medal with “KENTTÄARMEIJA” Clasp
Official Name: Talvisodan muistomitali (Winter War Commemorative Medal)
Awarded for: Participation in the Winter War (1939–1940) against the Soviet Union
Dimensions: 31.33 mm (diameter)
Material: Bronze
Suspension: Mounted on a clasped ribbon bar
Overview & Historical Significance:
Established in August 2, 1940, by the Finnish government to recognize Finnish soldiers and foreign volunteers who fought against the Soviet invasion.
This example includes the KENTTÄARMEIJA clasp, which was awarded to personnel who served in the Field Army (Kenttäarmeija).
The Winter War was a heroic defensive conflict where Finland, vastly outnumbered, inflicted heavy losses on Soviet forces, leading to global recognition of Finnish resilience.
Design Details:
Obverse:
Depicts a soldier with a sword and shield, symbolizing Finland’s defense against invasion.
Reverse:
Inscribed with dates 1939–1940, marking the Winter War period.
3. German 1939 Iron Cross 2nd Class (Eisernes Kreuz II. Klasse, 1939)
Awarded for: Acts of valor in combat
Dimensions: 48.99 mm (height) x 44.18 mm (width)
Material: Three-piece construction (iron core with silver frame)
Overview & Historical Significance:
The Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz, EK) was Germany’s most recognized military decoration, revived by Adolf Hitler in 1939.
The 2nd Class was awarded to soldiers for acts of bravery on the battlefield.
Finland and Germany were military allies during the Continuation War (1941–1944), leading to numerous Finnish soldiers receiving this award.
Design Details:
Obverse:
Features a blackened iron cross with a swastika in the center (standard design for 1939).
Reverse:
Inscribed with the date "1939", indicating its reintroduction during WWII.
This mounted medal bar represents Finland’s military history in World War II and its military cooperation with Germany.
Why This Set Is Important:
Finnish-German Military Collaboration:
The presence of both Finnish and German awards reflects Finland’s role in WWII, first fighting the Soviets alone (Winter War) and later as a co-belligerent with Germany (Continuation War).
Combat & Service Recognition:
The Cross of Liberty (4th Class with Swords) and Iron Cross (2nd Class) signify acts of bravery in combat.
The Winter War Medal (with clasp) recognizes service in Finland’s most famous defensive war.
This set is an important WWII-era military decoration group for collectors of Finnish, German, and Winter War militaria.