Founded by president, field marshal Carl Gustaf Mannerheim on January 28th 1919. The order is both civilian and military. Insignias designed by Akseli Gallen-Kalleka. Grand master is the president of the republic of Finland. 1963 the order discussed changing of the swastika on the chain into something less provocative. Heraldic Gustaf von Numers designed a fir branch symbol that was worn by president Urho Kekkonen on Finland´s Independence Day in 1963.

Small damage to enamel.