Estonian Cross of Liberty "Vabadusrist"

[Ökenräven]

Hi,

I'm looking for some info about the Estonian Cross of Liberty. I've understand that these are pretty rare and want some more info about the award. I've not been able to find any informative threads on the forums except some on a estonian forum where I don't understand a single word.

I would really appreciate if any of you could tell me more about this award. Is there any sites on the internet where I can read about it or any litterature. So what I want to know is:
* How many examples was awarded/made?
* What's the difference between the different types? Maybe different types awarded for combatants, civilians and foreign volunteers?
* Was It worn by estonians that fought for germany during ww2?
* Where should I look to buy an example? I really want one.

Here's a pic of the different types.



Best regards

Ökenräven


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[Sturmmann]

* What's the difference between the different types? Maybe different types awarded for combatants, civilians and foreign volunteers?

- I grade (white cross) for Military Leadership, II grade (black) for personal courage and III grade (blue) for civilian service

* How many examples was awarded/made?
Total 3224 - I grade 1 class 43 crosses, I grade 2 class 136, I/3 582, II grade 1 class 0, II/2 29, II/3 2247, III grade 1 class 111, III/2 41 and III/3 35

* Was It worn by estonians that fought for germany during ww2?
Yes it was allowed to wear Estonian cross of Liberty by estonians who served in German armed forces

* Where should I look to buy an example? I really want one
Most common is the II grade 3 class and the common manufacturer of this cross is the company of Anton Werner & Söhne in Berlin who produced a bit over 2000 crosses (II/3) - these cost about 700€ in Estonia

I say "common" but it is still pretty rare in an untouched and complete (with ribbon) condition.

Here are some of mine ...

[Peter J.]

Given the differences compared to your's, I assume this is rubbish?

cheers
Peter

[Ökenräven]

Given the differences compared to your's, I assume this is rubbish?

cheers
Peter

Hi,

I'm not an expert but in my opinion It's a fake. Here's one to compare with.

Best regards

Ökenräven




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[Ökenräven]

* What's the difference between the different types? Maybe different types awarded for combatants, civilians and foreign volunteers?

- I grade (white cross) for Military Leadership, II grade (black) for personal courage and III grade (blue) for civilian service

* How many examples was awarded/made?
Total 3224 - I grade 1 class 43 crosses, I grade 2 class 136, I/3 582, II grade 1 class 0, II/2 29, II/3 2247, III grade 1 class 111, III/2 41 and III/3 35

* Was It worn by estonians that fought for germany during ww2?
Yes it was allowed to wear Estonian cross of Liberty by estonians who served in German armed forces

* Where should I look to buy an example? I really want one
Most common is the II grade 3 class and the common manufacturer of this cross is the company of Anton Werner & Söhne in Berlin who produced a bit over 2000 crosses (II/3) - these cost about 700€ in Estonia

I say "common" but it is still pretty rare in an untouched and complete (with ribbon) condition.

Here are some of mine ...

Hi,

very impressive! If you see or hear of anything for sale, please contact me!

Best regards

Ökenräven


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[estländer]

Here You can see some originals. http://www.estmedals.com/est/1/1.html

[byterock]

Yep fakes abound on this order



I always found the translation of description of the award a little lacking.

IMHO a better translation would be

An order of three grades 1st, 2nd, 3rd and three divisions Military, Bravery and Civil

[ROBB]

Cool medals, I have never seen them before . Rob

[byterock]

Just found another interesting tit-bit on this order.

Seems the 2nd division (black grade) was only awarded to foreign troops so one might make the case that the 'black' award was not for bravery but for 'Non Estonians' who contributed to the independence of Estonia.

Seems it was also awarded to places as the city of Verdun got one as well.


Will have to get my buddy Yegor to do a little more translation for me next time we meet up.

[lenyblitz]

Cross

Hello, I have a cross here - ask for identification. What could be its value. This is 100% original. Thank you for your reply.

[Sturmmann]

It is a I class 2 grade, total 132 were awarded.
Price is somewhere between 2000 and 2500€

[lenyblitz]

Thanks for the quick reply - I have yet to identify such crosses: Thank you in advance for the info and the estimated price.

[enorepap]

Thanks for the quick reply - I have yet to identify such crosses: Thank you in advance for the info and the estimated price.

Hallo lenyblitz

The first is a neck Commander Cross of the Order of the Crown of Romania (Ordin Corona Romaniei) pre-1932.

Best regards

[byterock]

Well you should start a separate thread for each of these but here is my shot at them

1) Romania (Order of the Crown) Incorrect ribbon
2) ?
3) Finland (Order of the White Rose of Finland - Commander )
4) Russia Order of St. Vladimir

Can't tell you if they are original or not. Some ribbons do not match up with the reference I have handy

[byterock]

Hello, I have a cross here - ask for identification. What could be its value. This is 100% original. Thank you for your reply.

Hmm but I think the hanger is different on the originals but I have only ever seen pictures


Anyway my friend rad and translated the link page for me and I have changed my mind on this

"An order of three grades 1st, 2nd, 3rd and three divisions Military, Bravery and Civil "

Seem it was a Medal not an Order.

'Order' normally means one would progress through the 'Order' like the Iron Cross or OBE.

Seems these were only ever awarded as singletons based on the level of contribution to the Liberty of Estonia.

So a better translation would be

"A decoration of three grades 1st, 2nd, 3rd and three divisions Military, Bravery and Civil"