Back then the proposal was rejected as 'too warlike'–and there was also fears that such promotion would prove politically controversial–but Mannerheim was nevertheless given an unofficial marshal's baton by the Civil War's White veterans.

Five years later the political climate was more favourable, and the State Council decided to bestow Mannerheim the rank of field marshal.

But in this case no such payer could be found and finally Airo had to present the bill to Mannerheim, who commented wryly: "It's good they didn't make a bigger chief out of me.

"[This quote needs a citation] Mannerheim was also initially concerned that as field marshal was not an official rank, he was no longer in the Defence Forces service, but Mannerheim was then assured that he remained in the Finnish Army officer lists as a general of cavalry (ratsuväenkenraali, his substantive rank since 1918).

Mannerheim, in co-operation with artist and author Aarno Karimo, designed a new rank insignia consisting of the three heraldic lions of a full general and crossed marshal's batons.