Axe Head Stick Pin

[John A. Larsen]

I was looking at some photos on the VKT-Valtion Kivaaritehdas (State Rifle Factory) about them making Mosin Nagant rifles and Suomi SMG's and there was a section that had small, stick pin type Finnish axe heads. Apparently during WWII in Finland everyone was required to cut firewood for the war effort, even had photos of a General and members of Parliament cutting fire wood. If you cut one Motti (one cubic meter) of firewood you got a Iron award axe head, for four Mottis you got the Silver, for 16 Mottis, the Gold axe head. They had two higher categories, 48 Mottis got you the Great Axe award, 100 Mottis the Master Axe award, but they did not have a photo of the last two awards. I cannot post the photos (technology challenged) but if anyone is interested I can email them. John