Rare medal of Eugen Schauman to go on sale in Helsinki

A rare medal awarded to Finnish activist Eugen Schauman, known for his role during the years of Russian oppression in Finland, is set to go on sale in Helsinki on Thursday. This particular medal, which commemorates a shooting competition from 1902, marks the first of its kind associated with Schauman’s name. He is historically recognized for fatally shooting Nikolai Bobrikov, the Russian Governor General of Finland, on June 16, 1904.

Though seemingly simple, this small medal is imbued with a compelling historical narrative. Thomas Luoma, a specialist in militaria at Hagelstam auction house, states that determining the medal’s value was quite challenging, emphasizing its unique backstory as a key factor in its potential worth.

The opening bid for the medal is set at €5,000, and experts predict it could attract various types of buyers, including investors looking for appreciation in value or nationalists who may feel a sense of pride in owning such a historical piece.

The Schauman family has confirmed the medal’s authenticity, which has been passed down over decades—a rarity, as smaller medals often risk being discarded by those unaware of their significance. When Schauman was awarded this medal, Finland was still part of the Russian Empire, with a growing sense of national identity and aspirations for independence.

Schauman’s assassination of Bobrikov remains a prominent moment in Finnish political history, with differing interpretations of his actions as either patriotic or terrorist in nature. The personal dedication he had for marksmanship is evident from recollections by peers from the time, revealing his commitment to shooting practice at a range in Oulunkylä, Helsinki.