MEDAL FOR THE 70TH BIRTHDAY OF KING HAAKON 7 – 1942 – BY J. TOSTRUP OF OSLO NORWAY

Description

Circular bronze medal with integral crown suspension; the face with the head and shoulders portrait of King Haakon VII in naval uniform facing left, circumscribed ‘HAAKON 7 NORGES KONGE’ (Haakon VII King of Norway) and signed ‘O. SORENSEN’; the reverse inscribed ‘TIL MINNE OM 70 ÅRSDAGEN 3 AUGUST 1942’ (In commemoration of the 70th birthday, 3 August 1942) within the Collar of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav (Five crowned ‘O’s for Olav, five State Coats of Arms and ten Trondheim archiepiscopal insignia); signed ‘J. TOSTRUP’; age-toned; on original ribbon and loop mounted for wear on brooch bar with maker’s mark ‘J. TOSTRUP’. The medal was instituted on 27 October 1942 at the instigation of the King to commemorate his 70th birthday and was awarded to military who were serving with the Norwegian armed forces in Britain on his birthday, 3 August 1942. Haakon (1872-1957) became King of Norway in 1905 when the country separated from Sweden and his intelligent and democratic approach rapidly won the affection of his people. His courage in the face of German invasion and occupation in April 1940 and his leadership through the dark days of war to liberation won him the love of his people and respect worldwide. The medal was an important symbol of Norway’s continuing resistance and hopes of eventual liberation.

GREAT CONDITION