Finland, Republic. An Order of the White Rose of Finland, Grand Cross Set, by Alexander Tillander, Type I, c. 1925

(Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun Ritarikunta). Instituted January 28th, 1919. Type I (c. 1925 issue). A cased Order of the White Rose of Finland Grand Cross Set, consisting of:

1. A Breast Star. Constructed of silver, silver gilt, and enamels, a five-pointed star with each point consisting of eight rays with scaled between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a central turkoise enamelled medallion bearing a white enameled white rose, surrounded by a black band of enamels inscribed “Isänmaan Hyväksi” (For the Good of the Fatherland) in gilt in capitalized Finish lettering, the reverse plain, with a barrel hinge, vertical pinback, and round wire catch, hallmarked “A.T” for manufacture by Alexander Tillander of Helsinki, the National crown, “813 H” (813 Hopea = silver), the city/town mark and date marked “U5” (1925) on the reverse, measuring 84.6 mm (w) x 84.4 mm (l), weighing 91.78 grams. 

2. A Sash Badge. In silver gilt with white and blue enamels, consisting of a Maltese Cross with white enameled arms and a Lion of Finland wielding a sword in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a white enamelled rose in a bed of dark blue enamels, on a fixed loop and oval swivel ring for suspension from its period original shortened (cut) sash ribbon, marked “A.T” for manufacture by Alexander Tillander of Helsinki, the National crown, “813 H” (813 Hopea = silver), the city/town mark and date marked “U5” (1925) on the swivel ring, measuring 54.0 mm (w) x 59.6 mm (l), weighing 38.34 grams. 

3. Accompanied by its presentation case, constructed of a lightweight wooden core, with a lightly textured black faux leather exterior, the interior of the lid maker marked “A. Tillander”, with functional exterior metal hinges, intact interior fabric hinge cover, and functional exterior metal clasp for closing of the case, with a removable and recessed blue felted medal bed for plush seating of the award, measuring 132 mm (w) x 246 mm (l). 

A fine example of a cased Grand Cross Set of the Order of the White Rose of Finland, with the white enamels to the reverse of the sash badge flaked, in otherwise better than very fine condition. 

Footnote: The Order of the White Rose of Finland is one of three official orders in Finland, along with the Order of the Cross of Liberty, and the Order of the Lion of Finland. The President of Finland is the Grand Master of all three orders. The orders are administered by boards consisting of a chancellor, a vice-chancellor and at least four members. The orders of the White Rose of Finland and the Lion of Finland have a joint board. The Order of the White Rose of Finland was established by Gustaf Mannerheim in his capacity as regent (temporary head of state) on January 28, 1919. The name comes from the nine roses in the coat of arms of Finland. The order's rules and regulations were confirmed on May 16, 1919, and its present rules date from June 1, 1940. The revised scale of ranks was confirmed most recently in 1985. The original decorations were designed by Akseli Gallen-Kallela. The swastikas of the collar were replaced by fir crosses in 1963, designed by heraldic artist Gustaf von Numers. The honour can be granted for military as well as civilian merit. The motto of the Order appears on the medallion and is "Isänmaan hyväksi" (For the well-being or benefit or advantage of the Fatherland).