Estonia, Republic. An Order of the Eagle Cross, I Class Grand Cross Star, c.1940

(Kotkaristi teenetemärk). Instituted in 1928. Three-piece construction, silver and blue enamelled Estonian eagle insignia, illustrating the eagle clutching a sword in its right talon and a shield in its left talon, with the shield bearing three lions, fronting a silver gilt and black enamelled Maltese cross base, the cross with its insignia mounted to an eight-pointed silver star base, each star point with multi-faceted rays, measuring 85.7 mm (w) x 85.5 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual stays, intact enamels, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Eagle Cross was instituted on February 24, 1928 by the Estonian Defence League, to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Estonian independence. It was awarded for services to state defence in five grades, in addition to three crosses.