Finland, Republic. A Winter War Medal, Type III with Taipale Bar, c. 1940

(Talvisodan Muistomitali). Type III (For Finnish Soldiers). A blackened iron medal, magnetic, obverse presenting a central hooded figure sighting a rifle, the exterior of the circle presenting the arms of he provinces, dated 1939-1940 at 6 o’clock, reverse inscribed KUNNIA ISANMAA (Honour, Fatherland) surrounded in a thin laurel wreath, measures 31.37mm (w) x 39.28mm (h – inclusive of integral suspension loop), weighs 16.2 grams (including ribbon and bar), worn on original ribbon with silver gilt TAIPALE bar, very light contact, gilt wear to bar, very fine condition.

Footnote: The Type III Medal was instituted on August 2, 1940 and awarded to those who served during the Winter War campaign against the Soviet Union. The Battle of Taipale was a series of intense conflicts fought in December of 1939. The goal of the Soviets was to take the Mannerheim Line of defence, allowing passage to Southern Finland. Although they were armed with superior numbers, the Soviets were unable to defeat the Finnish defences. The casualties of the battle were approximately 2,250 lost for the Finnish, and over 10,000 dead for the Soviets.