Silver gilt, enamels. Beautiful enamels and very high overall quality are typical of Soviet mint manufacture. The badge is of massive construction, measuring 56.3 mm in height, 54.8 mm in width; weighs 56.2 g not including the screw plate.

In outstanding, excellent condition. The enamel on both the banner and star is literally pristine, free of any wear that could be found even with a 10x loupe. The center medallion is essentially pristine and has only some microscopic contact marks that are not easy to find even under magnification; the raised details are perfect and exceptionally crisp. The original fire gilt finish on the middle disc of the starburst is extremely well-preserved and bright. There is a very attractive even patina to silver on both sides. The screw post is full length, nearly 14.5 mm, and comes with an original Soviet screw plate in Neusilber (white metal alloy) which is of the period and correct for this decoration. To summarize, this is an absolutely superb example of the early Order of Freedom and Independence, one of the best - if not the best - we have ever offered for sale and in our opinion, impossible to upgrade.

Established in 1950, the Order of Freedom and Independence was a strictly combat decoration bestowed exclusively by the DPRK Supreme People's Assembly Standing Committee. It was issued to leaders of larger military and guerilla units. A few were also awarded to Soviet military advisers and pilots who fought in the Korean War. This order can be roughly compared, both in its significance and appearance, to the Soviet Order of Alexander Nevsky. It is one of the highest - and certainly one of the most spectacular - of all North Korean decorations.

/Sessler & McDaniel, Military and Civil Awards of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK ), Page 187/.