Finland, Republic. An Order of the Lion of Finland, Merit Cross, c.1942

(Suomen Leijonan ritarikunta). Instituted in 1942. In silver, the obverse centrepiece in red enamels with a silver gilt lion, marked with the National crown, maker marked and marked "813H" (813 Hopea = Silver) on the obverse of the integral ring, measuring 40.8 mm (w) x 45 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, intact enamels, scattered tarnishing, original ribbon, near extremely 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.