A Swedish Tiger

First of all sorry for not posting in a long time life have been very busy lately. Since I have not seen any good sites with swedish militaria with english description I will continue to post!

Anyway I want to show you the most popular swedish ww2 symbol and still is popular today. The symbol was designed by Bertil Almqvist who got the assignment from SIS (States information board). They used the symbol for a vigilance campaign to urge the public to stay silent about everything that could harm the neutral Sweden, mostly things regarding the swedish defence and military. 

The symbol and slogan is very clever, "En svensk tiger" in swedish. In one hand it could mean "A swedish tiger" but there is another meaning and the intention was "A swede stay quiet" well it does not seem fun and not much sence if you do not understand swedish, however I will try to explain. Tiger and to stay quiet is the same word in swedish.

This is a pin version of the symbol, it says "Jag" wich means "I" and the the tiger means to "stay silent", "I stay silent". As you can see mine is a bit worn but notice the swedish colours on the tiger!

There were not only pins you could also see them as signs hanging at cafés

Defence Loan - for DEFENCE and WORK

The preparedness of arming the swedish defence could not be implemented with the available state funds in the beginning of ww2. Large supplementation was required and they were forced to turn to the public. By using the propaganda skillfully they managed to catch the attention of saving clubs in the workplace, companies and large organizations. Millions were raised by selling the defence bonds. Three atempts were made during 1940-42. 

Exakt source of this pin is unknown to me. However it was probably given to those who took part in the defence loan meetings since their slogan was "for defence and work" 

• First defense loan

Started in April 25, 1940 and ended November 1, 1940. About 800 million were raised.

• Second defense loan

Started in January 15, 1941 and ended ??? About 610 million were raised.

• Third defense loan

Started in the spring of 1942 and ended May 15, 1942. About 915 million were raised. 

This pin was given to people who bought defence bonds during the third defence loan. 

This is a for defence and loan pin but with a wartime modification. Four norwegian flags has been attached to the backside of the pin. Probably a commemorative to the occupied Norway.

//Jimi