Finland, Republic. An Order of the Lion of Finland, Cross of Merit, Boxed

(Suomen Leijonan suurristi). Instituted in 1942. 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 "V7" (1974), measuring 41 mm (w) x 45.8 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, intact enamels, traces of tarnishing evident on the arms on both sides, near extremely fine. In its cardboard box of issue, black pebbled exterior, lid with the Finnish lion insignia in gold-coloured ink, base slides out through the end panel, measuring 51.5 mm (w) x 110.5 mm (h) x 15 mm (d), box also 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.