{"product_id":"original-pre-wwii-estonian-war-of-independence-1st-hussar-cavalry-regiment-badge-formerly-a-a-f-tank-museum-collection","title":"Original Pre-WWII Estonian War of Independence 1st Hussar Cavalry Regiment Badge - Formerly A.A.F. Tank Museum Collection","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of a rather hard to find Estonian badge from the Prelude era leading up to the War of Independence. The badge is for the 1st Hussar (Cavalry) Regiment, a prominent unit of the War. The Estonian War of Independence, also known as the Estonian Liberation War, was a defensive campaign of the Estonian Army and its allies, most notably the United Kingdom, against the Soviet Russian westward offensive of 1918–1919 and the 1919 aggression of the pro–German Baltische Landeswehr. The campaign was the struggle of the newly established democratic nation of Estonia for independence in the aftermath of World War I. It resulted in a victory for Estonia and was concluded in the 1920 Treaty of Tartu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe badge came to us from the American Armoured Foundation, Inc. Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum. The AAF Tank Museum was a living memorial dedicated to the Tank and Cavalry soldiers of the world. Before 1981 some of the artifacts that make up the AAF Tank Museum was a private collection belonging to Mr. William Gasser. Mr. Gasser felt that his collection would be beneficial in educating present and future generations to the sacrifices made and the technologies gained during war. Therefore, in 1981 the AAF Tank Museum was established as a non-profit charitable organization, and Mr. Gasser's donated his private collection to the Tank Museum. Mr. Gasser is still active as Volunteer Director and Curator of the Tank Museum and his knowledge of military history has been a great asset to the museum. Unfortunately after 20 years of operation it had to close its doors, which is when this was acquired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Estonian military included two regular Hussar cavalry regiments, as well as six cavalry squadrons that could be called up as part of the reserve army.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo Estonian cavalry regiments participated in the Estonian War of Independence, along with smaller cavalry formations; every infantry regiment had one reconnaissance cavalry attachment. By the end of the war, another cavalry regiment, the Cavalry Reserve Regiment, was formed in Tallinn, and functioned as a cavalry school for soldiers and officers. The Estonian 2nd Cavalry Regiment was dissolved in 1920.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe badge itself is in wonderful condition with the proper screw back and disc. The black enamel is retained quite well, with evident aging but no significant damage. All colors and details are still vibrant and easily discernible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA great example ready for further research and display.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41152507183173,"sku":"ONJR24TMF027","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR24TMF027__01.jpg?v=1710777388","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-pre-wwii-estonian-war-of-independence-1st-hussar-cavalry-regiment-badge-formerly-a-a-f-tank-museum-collection","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}