Ukraine - Cross of the Legion of Ukrainian "Sich" Riflemen, "Everyday" Medal (C.1918)
Dimensions: 39.40 x 37.08 mm
Material: Bronze gilt with blue enamel
Ribbon: Original, featuring blue and yellow stripes
Condition: Fine, with minor gilt loss and light contact wear
Reference: Please refer to the pictures for actual condition and ribbon authenticity.
Description:
This is a "For Everyday Use" version of the Cross of the Legion of Ukrainian Sich Riflemen from 1918. The cross is made of bronze gilt and features a dark blue enamel finish. It is a four-armed cross with ball-tipped edges, showcasing a distinctive ornamental pattern in the quadrants.
Obverse Details:
Shape: Four-armed cross with ball-tipped edges and intricate openwork patterns between the arms.
Material: Bronze gilt with dark blue enamel accents.
Decoration:
Each arm of the cross has a raised diamond-patterned design and is enameled in deep dark blue.
The tips of the cross contain inscriptions in blue enamel within diamond-shaped panels.
The upper arm features the Ukrainian letter "Y" (У).
The left and right arms bear the letters "C" (С) and "G" (Г), forming "YCC" (УСC)—an abbreviation for "Ukrainian Sich Riflemen" (Українські Січові Стрільці).
The bottom arm is inscribed with "1914", marking the founding year of the Legion of Sich Riflemen.
Central Element:
The center of the cross has a square enamel panel in deep blue, adding contrast to the overall design.
This historically significant decoration was awarded to members of the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen, who played a pivotal role in the fight for Ukrainian independence during and after World War I.
Reverse Details:
The reverse is plain and unadorned.
The cross is attached to its original suspension via a loose ring.
The medal exhibits minor loss of gilt, particularly on the edges, and light contact wear, consistent with age.
Historical Background:
The Cross of the Legion of Ukrainian Sich Riflemen was established in 1918 by the Central Executive of Ukrainian Sich Riflemen in Vienna, Austria. It was awarded to soldiers and members of the Legion of Sich Riflemen (Легіон Українських Січових Стрільців, USS), who fought for Ukrainian independence during and after World War I.
The decoration had two versions:
"Everyday" version (smaller size) – intended for daily wear by legion members.
"Parade" version (larger size) – worn during formal military occasions.
The Sich Riflemen were an elite unit formed primarily of Ukrainian volunteers within the Austro-Hungarian army. They played a crucial role in Ukrainian national movements and later became one of the foundations for the Ukrainian Galician Army (UHA).
Condition and Rarity:
This example of the Everyday Version remains in fine condition, with intact enamel and minimal gilt fading.
The original ribbon is still attached, which is uncommon for pieces of this era.
Due to its historical significance and limited production, this medal is considered rare and sought after by collectors of Ukrainian military awards.