Lithuanian Order of Gediminas

[Rick Research]

I am posting this scan of our very own Tiger1's Lithuanian collection.

The Golden Age of awards design apparently was the 1920s along the shores of the Baltic Sea, because like the awards of Finland, Estonia, and Latvia, there is a dramatic, futuristic wildness to these designs, combined with a quality of die and enamel work sadly absent in the world today.

What were these given for? And all of that!

[Blitz]

Wow!

[Peter J.]

2xWow

KR
Peter

[Tiger 1]

Thanks to Rick for posting this for your viewing pleasure.

What is shown is The Order of DLK Gediminas.

This order was in recognition of service for the betterment of the Lithuanian nation. The Order was confered both on military and civilians. It was also bestowed on foreign nationals for service to Lithuania.

The crosses were based on a design by Reserve Captain Lopuchinas and the production was contracted to the Swiss firm of Huguenin in Le Loc.

This order was instituted in 1927 with the first awards being made in 1928. As originally instituted the order comprised of four officer grades and three medals to the order for NCOs and EMs. In 1930 the order was transformed to five grades and the three medals more in keeping with European custom. The breast stars were part of the Grand Cross and sash ensemble and the first and second class neck orders. The breast stars are unique in the fact that they are comprised of nine points versus the usual 6,7 or 8 normally seen on other stars. Construction consisted of silver, gilt, red and white glass enamel and an oxidizing finish in places.

The design draws on traditional Lithuanian symbols and features the heraldic Columns of Gediminas on a red field in the center.A portrait of the Grand Duke Gediminas is on the obverse of the medals to the order in the lower right hand corner. The reverses on the 1927 edition crosses were plain with the date 1918 II. 16 (Lith. Independence Day) while the 1930 versions were aslo enameled on the reverse.

The approximate number of awards in per war period of 1928 thru 1940 is as follows. As with any award by nations devistated by war these figures are generally agreed upon but are not necessarily definate.

I cl.............136
II cl............263
III cl............984
IV & V cl.......1500 approximate

The medals to the order;

Gold..............48
Silver............309
Bronze...........3000 approximate

This order along with other Lithuanian decorations were ended with the forcible annexation of Lithuania and the other other Baltic States into the Soviet Union in 1940.

Lithuania, upon regaining it's independence in 1991 reinstituted this order for current award by a grateful nation to those that serve and promote Lithuanian interests both at home and abroad.

There are several other items shown. In the lower left hand corner is a bullion set of Lithuanian Military Pilot's Wings with the crossed sword combat qualification. Near the bottom center the round pip is a General Officer's rank pip for a shoulder board. The two diamond shaped badges are two Lithuanian Military Academy completion badges.

I hope this gives a glimpse into some Baltic decorations that are not usually seen.

I am always looking to acquire further examples of any Lithuanian decorations, medals, insignia, photos, etc. If you have something that may be of interest please keep me in mind. Thanks!

Tony

[Tiger 1]

Thanks guys!

It took me a bit to punch up the pertinant facts for you.

T

[ANDY BUTKUS]

WOW!!!!That's a very impresive collection...Well done..