Finland, Republic. A Very Rare Order Of The Holy Lamb, Commander I Class

(Pyhän Karitsan ritarikunta). Instituted in 1935. Two-piece construction, in silver gilt with azure blue enamels, maker marked, marked with the National crown, marked "916H" (916 Hopea = Silver), Helsinki city marked and date marked "P7" (1968) on the reverse, obverse illustrating a Greek-style cross, with seraphims in all four corners, the centre medallion illustrating the Lamb of God (Agnus dei), measuring 50 mm (w) x 54 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, intact enamels, on a full-length modern neck ribbon, very rare and extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Holy Lamb was instituted on June 20, 1935 by the Synod of the Orthodox Church of Finland. It was founded as an Award to recognize distinguished ecclesiastics and laymen for outstanding works of charity and other contributions to the Finnish Orthodox Church. The decoration is divided into the following Classes: Grand Cross, Grand Cross Breast Star, Commander I Class, Commander I Class Breast Star, Commander II Class, Commander II Class Breast Star, Knight I Class, Knight II Class, Gold Grade Medal of Merit, and Silver Grade Medal of Merit.