Korea (Democratic People's Republic, North Korea); Silver gilt with red and blue enamels, 55.3 mm (w) x 56 mm (h), screwback, intact enamels, traces of gilt remains, extremely fine. Accompanied by its Award Booklet (hardcovered, inside covers and four pages of text printed in black and green inks, DPRK stamped in red ink on page two, 74 mm x 100 mm).
Footnote: The Order of Freedom and Independence is one of the highest North Korean orders. It is divided into two classes: the first class is awarded to commanders and partisan units of brigades, divisions, and higher military groups for bravery, courage, and auspicious command of military operations. The second class is awarded to the commanders of partisan regiments, battalions, companies, and detachments, as well as to civil professionals employed in the industry for the military. The order is awarded with the Order of the National Flag of the same rank. The order was instituted on July 7, 1950, during the Korean War. Two variants have been made: one Soviet-made with a screwback mechanism for attachment and a North Korean-made version with a pin. During the Korean War, the first class issue was received by 95 Koreans and 126 Chinese people and second class by 3,043 Koreans and 4,703 Chinese recipients.