Latvia. A Rare Military Order of the Bear Slayer, Badge to No.3 Recipient, c.1920

Instituted November 11, 1919. In silver gilt and enamels, an extremely rare and possibly unique decoration to the Third recipient of the Order, a white and red cross with swords piercing the center, the obverse medallion depicts a handpainted man slaying a bear, the reverse with a central screwpost, the arms have been engraved No3 1920 K.B., and bears the boars head denoting French manufacture post 1838 and silver fineness, and GA makers mark, measures 30.8 mm (w) x 30.9 mm (w), weighs 11 grams, including screwplate also marked with a boars head, enamels intact, minor crazing and cracks in the central medallion, remains extremely fine. 

Footnote: The Order is Latvia's first Order, and it was considered the highest national military decoration until its suppression in 1940 during Latvia's occupation by the Soviet Union.It is also known as the Order of Lacplesis, as it was named after a Latvian war hero. The Order was primarily conferred to recognize acts of valour within the Latvian War for Independence by foreigners and Latvians. After Latvia gained independence in 1919, the Order continued to be awarded to foreign and Latvian military personnel who showed personal valour in war, and whose meritorious service helped develop Latvia's independence and glory.