Finland, Republic. An Order of the White Rose, Commander Cross Case

(Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun ritarikunta). Instituted in 1919. Hardshelled design on both the lid and base, black thatched-look exterior on all sides, marked with the Finnish lion in gold-coloured ink on the lid, the inside lid lined in white satin, padded, maker marked "A. TILLANDER" and exhibiting the impression of the once present cross, a white cardboard insert placed within the base and housing a raised platform in black felt, with a recessed medal bed for the cross, single-hinged, latch closure, measuring 76.5 mm (w) x 123.3 mm (h) x 33.5 mm (d), light soiling evident in the white paper on the interior of the base, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the White Rose of Finland is one of three official orders in Finland, along with the Order of the Cross of Liberty, and the Order of the Lion of Finland. The President of Finland is the Grand Master of all three orders. The orders are administered by boards consisting of a chancellor, a vice-chancellor and at least four members. The orders of the White Rose of Finland and the Lion of Finland have a joint board. The Order of the White Rose of Finland was established by Gustaf Mannerheim in his capacity as regent (temporary head of state) on January 28, 1919. The name comes from the nine roses argent in the coat of arms of Finland. The order's rules and regulations were confirmed on May 16, 1919, and its present rules date from June 1, 1940. The revised scale of ranks was confirmed most recently in 1985. The original decorations were designed by Akseli Gallen-Kallela. The swastikas of the collar was replaced by fir crosses in 1963, designed by heraldic artist Gustaf von Numers. The honour can be granted for military as well as civilian merit. The motto of the Order appears on the medallion and is "Isänmaan hyväksi" (For the well-being or benefit or advantage of the Fatherland).