Germany, Third Reich. A Lapland and Murmansk Arctic Operations Cross

(Nordfront Kreuz). Constructed of silvered bronze with blue, white, red, and black enamels, consisting of a blue enameled Cross Pattée with a central white enameled field bearing the Finnish and National Socialist flag and a Finnish lion, along with the dates “1941-43”, with a silvered swastika in the background marked with the territories where fighting took place - Ukhtua, Kestinga, Salla, Pechenga, the reverse plain, with a knurled stud for a screwback and a fastening pin marked “Hopeatakomo” on the obverse, measuring 34.5 mm (w) x 34.8 mm (l), weighing 16.89 grams, with contact marks from wear and age and loss of the silver finish, in overall better than fine condition.

Footnote: The Arctic Operations Cross was awarded to personnel of the Finnish army, German SS Nord units and Heer Mountain troops that saw action in the Lapland and Murmansk region.