Estonia. A Rare Cavalry Regiment Badge, C. 1918

Instituted July 17, 1934. A black enamelled cross with a super imposed silver eagle with outstretched wings, a blue enamelled shield on its chest with a cursive ‘R’ on top, the eagle clutches a red enamelled snake in its talons, behind the eagle sits a downward point sword, the arms are inscribed 1917 across the 9-3 o’clock arms, the 12 o’clock arm is inscribed 12.IV, the reverse presents a singular screw post with a disc reverse in bronze, measures 37.40mm (w) x 43.45mm (h), weighs 35.3 grams, replacement disc for screwpost sits loosely, enamel intact, dark patina, very fine condition.

Footnote: The Estonia Cavalry regiment was instituted in 1917 and was active until 1940. The Estonian Military consisted of two regular Hussar cavalry regiments, as well as six cavalry squadrons. Two participated in the Estonian War of Independence, every infantry regiment had one reconnaissance cavalry attachment. By the end of the war, another cavalry regiment, the Cavalry Reserve Regiment was created and worked as a cavalry school for soldiers and officers.