Lithuania Medal of the Star of the National Guard (Šaulių Žvaigždės Medalis) 1939...

Lithuania Medal of the Star of the National Guard (Šaulių Žvaigždės Medalis) 1939. Circular bronze medal with ribbon bar suspension; the face with crossed rifles imposed on a circular target and bearing a shield with the patriarchal cross of Lithuania surmounted by the National Guard Star (Šaulių Žvaigždė); an open book below with Petras Rimša’s ‘Wise Owl’ emblem perched on it; all within a wreath of oak leaves; the reverse with a deserted battlefield with cottages in the background inscribed ‘DIRBK IR BUDEK LIETUVOS GARBEI’ (Watch and Work for Lithuania’s Glory) within an oak wreath and dated ‘1919-1939’ on a streamer above; some wear rubbing to both sides; on probably original ribbon mounted for wear. The medal was instituted in 1939 on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the founding of Lithuania’s National Guard and awarded to its members accompanied by certificates signed by Brigadier General S. Rastikis; Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Colonel Saladzius; Chief of the National Guard Association. The medal was designed by Petras Rimša (1881-1961); widely acknowledged as one of Lithuania’s foremost sculptors and medallists; and all were manufactured by Huguenin Frères at Le Locle in Switzerland. The only award list for the medal was published in June 1939 and contained just 2083 names. The award for June 1940 was pre-empted by Soviet invasion. The medal is; as a consequence; very rare. Bronze. Weight approx: 20.76g. Diameter: 37x34 mm. With Box