Cross of Liberty, III Grade, II Class

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.EST.0101.302.01.000

  • Cross of Liberty, III Grade, II Class Obverse

Estimated market value:

N/A

Attributes

  • Country
    Estonia
  • Makers
    Arthus-Bertrand, Paris
  • Composition
    Silver/Enamelled
  • Inscription
    Obv: E Rev: 24 II 1919
  • Size
    34x39mm
  • Image Licensing
    The II Class Cross image is attributed to the Republic of Estonia and is used in the public domain according to the Republic of Estonia Copyright Act, passed on November 11, 1992. It was sourced from the English version of the Decorations Act of the Republic of Estonia of December 19, 2007 available from the official website of the Republic: https://www.president.ee/en/estonia/decorations/images/00113019.pdf.

Physical Description and Item Details


The cross was designed by Nikolai Triik.

History


The Cross of Liberty was established by Konstantin Päts and the Provisional Government in 1919. It was conferred upon individuals in recognition of service against the Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic in the Estonian War of Independence, including those who died in combat. It was suspended on June 19, 1925, but there are provisions to reactivate it if another war is declared to defend Estonian independence.

It was awarded in three grades with three classes each. The I Grade Cross was awarded for military merit, the II Grade Cross was awarded for bravery, and the III Grade Cross was awarded for civil merit. During the first years of the Estonian Republic, it was the only military decoration available for conferral, and as a result, it was awarded to over 1000 foreign Officers, diplomats, and politicians.

Due to a variety of manufacturers, multiple versions of the decorations exist which vary in composition, size, and enamel colour. The first models were produced in Paris by the Arthus-Bertrand firm, while later models were produced by local jewellers in Tallinn.

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