(Suomen Leijonan ritarikunta). Instituted in 1942. Three-piece construction, in silver with red and white enamels, maker marked with the Alexander Tillander & Co. of Helsinki hallmark, marked with the National crown hallmark and marked "813H" (813 Hopea = Silver) on the obverse of the integral ring, measuring 49 mm (w) x 54 mm (h) inclusive of its integral suspension, intact enamels, on its full-length original neck ribbon, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, black pebbled exterior, Finnish lion coat-of-arms in gold-coloured ink on the lid, maker marked "A. TILANDER" on the white satin inside lid, medal bed with a raised platform in black felt, measuring 75 mm (w) x 123 mm (h) x 36.8 mm (d), discolouration and light wear evident on the exterior, case very fine.
Footnote: The Order of the Lion of Finland is one of three official orders in Finland, along with the Order of the Cross of Liberty and the Order of the White Rose of Finland. The Order of the Lion of Finland was founded on September 11, 1942. It was introduced in an effort to preserve the prestige of the Order of the White Rose of Finland, which could have been diminished if granted too frequently, and to facilitate the awarding of honours for various types of merit. The Lion of Finland is awarded for civilian and military merit. It is awarded in six grades: Commander Grand Cross, Commander I Class, Commander, Knight I Class and Knight, plus Pro Finlandia Medal and Cross of Merit.