Polish Orders, Orders of Poland, Polonia Restituta, Virtuti Militaria, Independence medal,Polish medals, badges,insignia and decorations. Regimental badges. WW1 and WW2.

NEW! Ślask Plebiscyt (Silesian Plebiscite) 1920 'SPISZ-ORAWA' commemorative pin. Rare form in bright gilt and with blue enamel. The more common form was silvered and no enamel. Purportedly, this fancier form was for the officials and officers of the plebiscite process. Interesting design with eagle clutching a snake. Good quality and excellent condition. Original pin. 33mm in width. Item # Pol-118 *SOLD*

1915 Relief of Lwow (Lwów/Lviv). City was occupied by the Russian forces at the beginning of the War. On June 22nd, K.u.K forces entered the ravaged city (by retreating Russian troops) to a considerate rejoicing of the Polish population. There were 3 types of a commemorative liberation badge struck by the Polish Government of the city and first/second types are extraordinarily rare, while 3rd type is hard to find. Presented here is cap badge for the K.u.K and allied units taking part in the liberation of the city. Zinc, considerably good condition. Original hardware intact. 52.5mm x 31mm. Manufacturer marked: 'Brüder Schneider, Wien 5'. Badge is far from common and likely of interest to Polish collectors. Item # Kap-63 (95) (118)

1918-1921 War commemorative medal. Original ribbon. Medal awarded to all serving at least 5 months of active duty. 35mm diameter, National mint strike (proper for this medal), marked on reverse. This example is in excellent condition! Medal was issued from 1928 on and recipients had to pay for it out of their own pocket. Item # Pol-117 *SOLD*

1914-1916, 7th Uhlans, officer's version. These are some of the rarest and much desired badges. Perhaps of interest to Polish collectors since this unit comprised (for the most part) of the Polish Nationals. Very attractive design, multi part construction. Shows wear, a bit of enamel loss to green wreath but not detractive. Original 'hardware' intact. There is a name (engraved) on the reverse: " OBST. Ernst Primavesi". A bit of search revealed that he was a commanding officer of the 7th Uhlans during WW1! Really neat piece, would make splendid addition to any serious Kappenabzeichen collection. 36mm x 18.5mm. Item # Kap-56 *SOLD*

Additional photo.

1920 Cross of Valour, type 1. Offered here is the first official (mass production) line cross by Jan Knedler's firm. Officially numbered on the reverse: 12202 - cleanly impressed as it was proper with these (first series award crosses). Ribbon is most interesting since it is combined from moire (watermarked) maroon base and edge stripes stitched in place. According to the best single source on the subject (book by G.Krogulec: "Krzyz Walecznych"), such combined ribbons were commonly observed on these early crosses as nobody could supply the proper (as per statutes) one-piece ribbon stock on time with these early awards. It is guessed that firm of B. Herseg in Warsaw made these combined ribbons (some of the edge stripes differ in width along with base ribbon as well). Firm of Huguenin (in Switzerland) provided first stock of proper ribbon. Initial order is said have arrived on April 14, 1921. Sadly, all of the Swiss ribbons were of inferior quality and often fell apart in relatively short wear. The linear thread pattern was poorly constructed and fractured easily (this was a common factor to most of firm's ribbons of the period as supplied on many decorations of various countries). The jump ring has the distinct feature of the notched connection which was not soldered shut. Such awards were mostly presented for the 1920 Polish-Soviet conflict, Polish-Ukrainian war 1919-1920; also soldiers of the Great War (WW1) - mainly Polish "Legions" in Austro-Hungary, Russia and in France. Until 1923, some 1230 foreigners (book figure) were given the Cross of Valour 1920, mostly the French (president Raymond Poincare amongst the most distinguished), Belgians, Italians, Americans and the British.

Sadly, it is impossible to trace impressed numbers to an individual. Awards often were accompanied by the small document but often the numbers on the document did not correspond to impressed issue crosses (especially in 1920-21 period).

Cross in bronze, 43mm wide. Shows hand finished edges (as expected with early crosses). Excellent condition, only few contact spots. Shield and inscriptions in top condition (these are often poor or worn). Ribbon shows age and wear, pulls and slight damages to the white edge stripes etc. Overall, a most splendid example, very hard to find. Item # Pol-113 *SOLD*

Additional photo.

20 Years Long Service Medal in silver. Excellent quality, struck by the National Mint in 1939. Rim marked with the mint's punch and also silver purity 'Ag. 0.950'. Older replacement ribbon. 35m dia. Item # Pol-112 (75)

Army Medal WW2. Interesting variant, similar to the first type but with massive suspension. Ribbon is a contemporary replacement. 34mm in diameter. Slight wear. Item # Pol-111 *SOLD*

'Knights of Death' Cross of Valour of General S. Bulak-Balachowicz. Excellent example of this rather obsure award. While not officially recognized as Polish award, it is best catalogued as such and is shown in most of the standard Polish reference materials. This ORIGINAL cross is made in what appears to be tombac. Enamels have some chips on the left and bottom arms. Unaltered suspension. Ribbon appears to be of age and shows wear (especially evident to the metallic gilt borders). Silvered centre disc is well detailed, attached to body via 3 small rivets. The skull, laurel wreath with crossed sword and torch are nicely cut-out. Reverse shows excellent patina, number engraved to the bottom '1839'. These crosses were awarded to select members of General's army between 1920 and late 1930's. There were several different manufacturers of this award. Please note that most of the insignia commonly found on the market are copies or forgeries (often offered as "unknown" or "Russian/German/Freikorps"). Cross measures 37mm wide. Quite rare. Item # Pol-110 *SOLD*

Polish Red Cross gilt Medal (1st class) miniature. Crowned eagle (either pre War or British issue WW2 + period). Good details. Enamels intact. 15.5mm wide. Nice example. Complete with fastener, unmarked. Some of the early ones were made in silver with engravings but those are rare. Interesting,enamelled ribbon suspension. Item # Rdc-135 *SOLD*

Star for Campaign in Iraq, official government issue with ribbon. Unawarded specimen. 44.1 mm wide. Star was established in 2007. Item # Pol-107 *SOLD*

Star for Service in Afghanistan, government issue on original ribbon. Many, cheaply produced examples are being sold as originals so beware. Unawarded specimen, 45 mm wide. Established in 2007. Item # Pol-106 *SOLD*

Polish Red Cross Decoration for Merit, 1st type. Miniature (14.5mm) , silver class (1st). Red enamelled cross. Original ribbon. Decoration was approved by National Red Cross Comitee on January 31, 1921. It is believed that issuing occured until the end of 1922. Full sized medal is extremely rare and highly valued. Back side is plain. Unmarked but appears to be silver. Possibly French-made with very good details. Ref.(S. Oberleitner, fig. 111, page 265). Item # Pol- 102 (145)

Honor decoration of Polish Red Cross - 3rd grade, type  1929. Miniature (14.2mm) of this rare medal. Appears to be silver, unmarked. Original ribbon, excellent condition and details. Reverse is plain. Full sized medals are quite rare, issued until 1937. Enamels intact. Ref.(S. Oberleitner, fig. 141, page 265/266). Item # Pol-101 (135)

14 Lancer Regiment (Ulanow Jazlowieckich) reduced size badge with enamels. Very good quality, multi part construction. A rare original, would look great displayed with full-sized badge. Few chips to enamel but not detractive. Appears to be silvered copper. About 23mm dia, Virtuti Militari in center is 7.5mm wide. Item # Pol-96 (120)

1918/1919 Defenders of Eastern Borders commemorative badge, also known as the 'Orleta' badge (Eaglets). This is the 1st type - 1919 issue. According to award document (not included with item) such badges were given for bravery and faithful service to fatherland during defence of Lwow (major city in Eastern Poland) and the region during War with Ukraine 1918/1919. In some rare cases these were also issued for War against Soviets in 1920. Oxidized bronze. Badge lightly vaulted. Original backplate hallmarked: "J. Knedler Warszawa, 2332 (serial numbers impressed). Showing age and some wear, yet details remain 'crisp'.   42 mm.  Ref: Stela - fig. 13.13.a, Wesolowski - fig. 884. Item # Pol-76 *SOLD*

Gold Merit Cross with Swords. WW2 type in silver gilt. English made, most likely by Spink. Wonderful condition appears to be an un-issued stock. Very good quality manufacturing, cut-out rays between arms. Original (English-made 'single moiré' type) ribbon. Enamels in perfect condition. Merit cross with swords in 1st class (gold) was scarcely awarded but no exact numbers can be verified (except those pertaining to some Polish units after 1942). Majority were awarded to members of Polish units based in England, lesser numbers to Polish underground Army in Poland and considerably few to foreigners. Cross measures 40mm wide, swords are regulation 35mm. Regulation amaranth ribbon of 40mm with 3mm light blue stripes to edges. Item # Pol-93 *SOLD*

Pomeranian (Pomorski) Front commemorative badge. Issued to Polish participants during WW. Bronze (or tombak) with silver plating (traces remaining). National crowned eagle clutching a shield with a griffin and a sailship. Date of 1920 to top. Dates: 10.11 and 19.1 to shield. Die-struck, nicely vaulted. Screw for fastening. Much age and wear, no excessive damage though. Unmarked. Guaranteed original. Very hard to obtain. 50mm x 31mm. Item # Pol-50 (185)

Commmemorative medal for fighters and builders of the country. Obverse of Silesian eagle, inscribed in Polish: 'Nie rzucim ziemi skad nasz rod'. Reverse of the country's contour, shields of 3 regions: Slask (Silesia), Pomorze (Pommerania) and Warmia Mazury (Varmian-Masurian). Medal in white metal, handsome looking. Original ribbon. Communist period. Shows dark spotting and light patina. 45mm in diameter. Item # Pol-51 (42)

1920's Breast badge of the Polish Red Cross Life member. Cut-out design, red and white enamels intact. Inscription to outer band in Polish. Post/nut intact. Enamels undamaged. Light darkening. 27mm in diameter. Item # Rdc-52. (65)

Poland 1917 badge of the Red Cross Association. Rare ceramic variation of the award (actually the only known type to exist for this year). 22.6mm. Light paint chips to red. Item # Rdc-55 (65)

Medal for 10 years long service. Unusual, unmarked variation. Very good quality striking. Possibly made in UK during or shortly after WW2. 35mm in diameter. No ribbon, shows wear. Item # Pol-35 (48)

1920 Commemorative award for American Volunteers. Such badges were made and distributed amongst those who jointed ranks of Polish 'Blue Army' under Gen. J. Haller during WW1 and later in 1919/1920 (War against Soviets). 2 part construction, white enamels. Very good condition, slight wear. Complete with old ribbon (most likely replaced). 45.5mm wide. Item # Pol-100 *SOLD*

Cross of Valour, 1920. Early small type, very similar to one featured in G. Krogulec's book on page 140 (55.c) - so most likely of French manufacturing during 1920's. Size is 35.6mm in width - so similar to the 4th type (so called 'small cross') by Knedler - also the serial number (impressed) 58042 - would fall in the numerical issues as produced in the years 1922-1923. Ribbon is definitely of French manufacture and is original to the award, with a nice - 2 line moire and slightly darker in comparison to the Polish made ribbons of the period. It is 37mm wide, stripes are nearly 6m wide). Cross appears to be made in oxidised copper. Shows wear. Very interesting variation of this popular decoration. Item # Pol-108 *SOLD*

CGTC (Civilian Guards Training Centre), the so called 'Polish Guards' badge. Units active between 1946-1947 in the US-occupied Germany. Very nice original by FRITZ KOHM, METALLWARENFBK PFORZHEIM', serial number impressed: 17384. Lightly gilded, enamels with some spider cracking and 2 small chips. Original fastener, badge lightly vaulted. 66mm x 34mm. Shows wear and age. Very nice badge, guaranteed original. Item # Us-18 

NOTE, this item was lost/stolen in transit - please notify us if it is circulating on the market. Serial number is pretty easy to follow. Thank you for any information provided.

Polish White Cross badge/pin. This obscure women's organization was founded by Helena Paderewska on October 31, 1917 and served in France during the Great War providing aid and hospital services to Gen.Haller's soldiers (and others as well). Polish White Cross was sort of a counterpart to the Red Cross. It is not precisely known where such pin was worn but a period photo we were able to find are vaguely showing some kind of a pin worn at the throat. Pin is nicely enamelled, appears to be in bronze or copper. Seem original attachment was replaced by a stick pin. Slight enamel chip at 2 o'clock. Otherwise very nice. Should be considered as rare, dating from the WW1 period. Item # Pol-109 *SOLD*

Please note that Photograph linked above has unrestricted use.

U.S. National Archives’ Local Identifier:165-WW-578B(2)

Could be of interest to collectors of Polish medals - 1920-1921 Upper Silesian Plebiscite medal issued to members of the Italian contingent , who were brought in as the 'Peacekeepers' by The Interallied Commission. There were the British, French and the Italian units present. French and the Italians issued such commemorative medals (not the British). Silesian uprising created grounds for the action by the 'Peacekeepers' - who policed the talks and negotiations between the Poles and the German side.

Medal in bronze, 28.2mm in diameter. Fabulous design, obverse featuring the industrial and religious nature of the Silesian region along with the eagle symbol and the dates of 1920 and 1921. Peace dove flying above. Reverse inscribed: "CONTINGENTE ITALIANO DELLE TRUPPE INTERALLEATE", listing all Italian units present:

- 458° Plotone Carabinieri Reali
- 135° Reggimento Fanteria
- 32° Reggimento fanteria Speciale
- Gruppo Speciale Artiglieria 8° Regg.to Camp.
- Plot. Avt. 3° Batt. Genio Telegr.
- 1° Drappello Automobilistico
- Ospedaletto da Campo N.ro 40
- 45 Sezione Sussistenza

Overall, very interesting medal. Complete with an old (lightly soiled) ribbon in the Silesian colours. It is not entirely clear if these were indeed issued with the ribbon, likely not. However, item offered here came from the family of a participant (he was in the 135 Infantry Regiment) who was said to wear it on his medal bar (WW1 and long with the long service medals). Medal is guaranteed original, period issue. Note there are copies on the market, those are said to have couple of particular minor differences from the original. Also, silvered medals for the officers are in existance but are very rare. Item # Ita-379 *SOLD*

1918-1921 War commemorative medal in bronze. Original ribbon. Medal awarded to all serving at least 5 months of active duty. 35mm diameter, National mint strike (proper for this medal), marked on reverse. Overall age darkening - shows slight wear but no damage. Medal was issued from 1928 on and recipients had to pay for it out of their own pocket. Item # Pol-97 *SOLD*

WW2, 5th Infantry Division (5 Kresowa Dywizja Piechoty) commemorative badge. Multi part construction, complete with back plate. Enamels not chipped. Excellent badge. Riveted construction. 40.4mm x 42mm. Item # Pol-105 *SOLD*

2nd Artillery Group Commemorative breast badge of Polish Armed Forces in the West (WW2). Badge in silvered metal. 2 small 'pipe rivets' attaching wreath to cross (typical production by 'F.M.Lorioli). Post 3mm dia. 44.5mm x 44.9mm. No back plate. Nice original. Item # Pol-104 *SOLD*

1925 Badge of Former Political Prisoners (Odznaka związku byłych więźniów ideowych). Silvered badge, partially oxydised. Interesting design. 32.1mm x 34.5mm. Worn but good condition. No back plate. Maker marked (National Mint's symbol). Ref (Stela fig. 19.10, page 217). Item # Pol-103 *SOLD*

Officer's badge of the 64th Infantry Regiment (Pomorski/Grudziadzki). White enamelled cross with red enamel eagle superimposed to center via 2 small domed rivets. Considerable wear to all. White enamel chipped to top arm and heat cracks to left and bottom arm enamels. Some chipping to eagle's red enamels as well. In my opinion this badge was subject to high temps. (possibly fire) as the darkening to enamels cannot be cleaned. Never the less - very rarely these are up for sale. Darkening to all. Vaulted. Backplate (nut) by A. Nagalski. 38.6mm x 39.5mm. Item # Pol-1 *SOLD*

WW1 era cap badge of the Silesian branch of Red Cross. 22.5mm. Some minor enamel damage. Bronze. Pinback. Item # Rdc-54 *SOLD*

Poland 1916 commemorative badge of Krakow (Cracow) branch of the Galicja Red Cross. Another super rare piece. Attractive design with broze gilt Polish Piast crown (Piasts were the first Polish Royal House) and eagle. Small red cross atop. Vaulted badge. Pinback. Great condition. 23.6mm. Item # Rdc-56 *SOLD*

Poland 1916 badge of the Red Cross Association. Die-struck in thin metal. Red/white paint. Pinback. Hard to find even in Poland. Some rust and paint chipping. Overall good. Nice WW1 piece. Item # Rdc-57 *SOLD*

1920 Commemorative badge "Headquarters of The Polish Army East". This is a period cast example with silver eagle overlay (nice quality). Secondary back plate (B.Grabski). Shows age. Interesting example of a considerably rare badge. 35mm. Item # Pol-77 *SOLD*

Patriotic jewellery in form of a crowned national eagle. WW1 period. Nicely made in silvered tombac (or bronze). Good details. Complete with pin/catch assembly for fastener. Badge lightly vaulted. 40mm x 27mm. Item # Pol-95 *SOLD*

Order of the Banner of Labour, 2nd class in silver. Rare 1st type as issued from July 1949 until 1952. Reverse bearing 'RP' as opposed to second type with 'PRL'. Very heavy quality, excellent enamels and original ribbon (faded and lightly soiled). 2 part construction. Very nice example. This was a relatively high ranked award, taking precedence over Polonia Restituta 3rd class, Order of Grunwald Cross III class and Virtuti Militari III class. It would be reasonable to believe there were under 500 awards of 2nd class of this 1st type. ø 44mm. Item # Pol-98 *SOLD*

Silesian Uprising cross. Founded in 1946 to commemorate the participants of uprisings in 1921 and fighting during WW2. Silver 4-armed cross with pebble design. Silesia eagle within blue enamelled center disc. Dates to arms: '1921, 1939, 1945'. Reverse with date 1946, inscribed to 'KRN' to center and 'Bojownikom Slaska' (Silesian fighters) to rim. Original ribbon. 36mm x 36mm. Shows age and light tarnish. Very good condition, enamel intact. Item # Pol-54 (SOLD)

Polish 2nd Infantry Rifle Division commemorative badge. Unit fought in France in 1940 as part of French 45th Corps then interned in Switzerland. 1st type of the badge as authorized in 1940. Silvered badge hallmarked to body and nut by Swiss firm Huguenin. Enamels are perfect. Gilding to crown and claws. Great details. Lightly vaulted. Excellent condition. Very hard badge to find. 56.5mm x 19mm. Item # Pol-69 *SOLD*

Cross of Valor (Valorous) Krzyż Walecznych. 1920 inscription. Oxidised (blackened) bronze. Appears to be either French or English production during WW2. Very similar to type 15 - page 198 (G. Krogulec, Krzyż Walecznych) but exact match not found. It is die struck and of good quality. Impressed number to top of reverse '90' - this is rather unusual - perhaps a replacement for old pre-war Government issue. Very interesting variety. No ribbon, we have some replacement 'Western' type ribbon if one desires.42.5mm x 48mm. Item # Pol-94  *SOLD*

Polish Army in England, cap badge by J.R. Gaunt, London. Beautiful example, light wear. Nicely detailed. All original including thread post and nut fastener. Badge lightly vaulted. 54.5mm x 36mm. Item # Pol-91 *Sold*

Badge of 3rd Mounted Rifle Regiment (of Hetman Czarnecki). 3 piece badge with center eagle, pennants center motiff attached to body with 2 rivets. Badge in bronze, silver plating worn in places. Enamels intact. Great details to all. Shows age darkening and some wear. 43mm x 35mm. Maker marked to nut: 'Z. Olszewski, Grawer, Warszawa' - this is most likely a replacement plate.. Item # Pol-84 *SOLD*

Kresowy (Far outreaches) Soldier's association medal. Awarded for merit in the Polish cause to fighters taking part in action evolving around far corners of the country. Obverse of National crowned eagle, reverse of 4 cities (arms): Szczecin, Wilno, Lwow and Wroclaw. Inscribed to center: 'Za saslugi dla sprawy Polskiej, zwiazek zolnierzy kresowych 1956-XV-1971'. Medal in white metal, silvered finish. At first released in bronze but had another striking in this form. Original ribbon, light stains. Good detail. Medal released in the West. 36mm in diameter. Very good condition. Item # Pol-52 *SOLD*

Medal for the 10th anniversary of the restoration of independence, instituted in 1928. Obverse featuring Marshal Pilsudski. Reverse of a peasant plowing, foliage to sides. Dates 1918- 1928 below. Bronze. Original ribbon faded. Showing wear and age. Designer's name to obverse. National mint production. 35mm diameter. Item # Pol-87. *SOLD*

Medal for long service, 10 years. Established in 1938 (first awards of the bronze medals took place May 5th 1938, silver medals in 1939). Awarded for military and state sanctioned branches of civil service, e.g. police. Round medal, bronze. National crowned eagle within stylized rye stalks. Reverse with laurel branch and Roman numeral X. Original ribbon. Very good condition. National mint. 35mm diameter. Item # Pol-88. *SOLD*

1944 Cross of Valor. This is the official post War Communist Government issue. Earlier type with fine details to eagle and narrow lettering. Original ribbon. Toned with age, ribbon lightly faded. Unnumbered (proper). Very good condition. Item # Pol-4. *SOLD*

Medal for long service, 20 years. Established in 1938 (first awards of the bronze medals took place May 5th 1938, silver medals in 1939). Awarded for military and state sanctioned branches of civil service, e.g. police. Round medal in silver (hallmarked to rim 'Ago. 950'). National crowned eagle within stylized rye stalks. Reverse with laurel branch and Roman numerals XX. Original ribbon. Good condition, light wear. National mint. 35mm diameter. Item # Pol-89. *SOLD*

1918-1921 War commemorative medal in bronze. National mint strike. Nicely toned with age, ribbon lightly faded. Item # Pol-19 *SOLD*

Commemorative medal for members (Polish) of the International Brigades in Spain during 1936-39 Civil War. Number of volunteers from various countries fought during this conflict on Republican side. Issued in 1956 to few remaining participants. Silvered bronze, light wear. Ribbon faded to front. 35mm dia. Item # Pol-66 *SOLD*

Polish Automobile Regiment. Badge in tombac, very good details to all. Great design. Not much is known about the regiment. 61.5mm x 41.3mm. Solid construction, maker on nut: 'A. Nagalski'. Shows age and light wear. Nicely curved. Very good condition. See Wesolowski's book (Fig. 1240). Item # Pol-5 *SOLD*

Independence medal. WG type (Wiktor Gontarczyk). Original ribbon. Showing age and typical wear; one minor edge ding. Nice highlights and patina. 35mm dia. Item # Pol-11.  *SOLD*

10 Years Long Service medal in bronze. Rare, unmarked variety. Original ribbon faded. Shows age and some wear, no damage. 35mm dia. Item # Pol-20  *SOLD*

1918-1921 War Volunteers Medal. Authorized on June 15 1939 but never awarded due to outbreak of WW2. Some medals were manufactured, no source indicates how many though. Very good quality. Struck in bronze (cast copies do exist). Medal is very thick - 3.2mm. Crisp details. Older ribbon - appears to be a replacement. Ref: Wesolowski, Fig. 59;  S. Oberleitner - page 150. Shows age and some edge imperfections. 35.7mm. Item # Pol-21  *SOLD*

1920 Cross of Valour. 2nd issue, made by J. Knedler. This series was made between 1921-1922 and finished with the award number 59 999. Award number 55 646 (struck to top of reverse). 36mm wide (proper for this series). Very nice example of an earlier cross. Comes with the original 'western' (as awarded to Poles in UK during WW2) colored ribbon. Obviously the receipient continued to wear the cross during WW2. Hard to find in North America. Shows wear and age, some contact marks to the sword. Very nice. Item # Pol-40 *SOLD*

1920, Officer's badge of 20th Lancers Regiment (of King Jan III Sobieski). All insignia from this regiment are very hard to find. Original badge, multi part construction. White enamelled cross, blue/red/white enamelled disk and superimpsed (with 2 prongs each) crown/Royal cipher to center. Appears to be made in alpaca. Riveting of crown/cipher visible upon close examination. Badge is deeply vaulted. Nut for fastening with maker's name: 'T. Filipski, Wilno, Zamkowa 6'. 39mm x 39.5mm. Condition is fair and better. Number of white enamel cracks and some fixed areas. Rare badge in any case. Item # Pol-2 *SOLD*

1943 Cross of Valor. Rare issue as manufactured in Soviet Union and issued to select Polish soldiers for the battle of Lenino. One of the rarest issues of this interesting award as the Polish National eagle is crowned. These were made in the Moscow National mint. The 1944 types had eagle uncrowned. There were only 46 official awards of this type for the Battle of Lenino however more were made (still a small number indeed). Please note the Mr. Wesolowski's book lists a wrong size for this type as it was 42-44mm (not 46mm as stated there). This piece measures 43mm. Condition is very good. Ribbon is a replacement. All details are very good and 'crisp'. Rarely offered for sale. Item # Pol-3 *SOLD*

Medical Officers School badge. Extremely rare item. 43mm x 42.8mm (If measured by the widest distance - 46mm). Multi part construction. Rich red and dark blue enamels. Despite numerous under-enamel cracking there is virtually no chipping (only few tiny spots to blue enamel). Deeply vaulted cross. Majority of gilding remains. Very well detailed badge. 6 small rivets attaching the center disk (4), and eagle (2) to the main cross. Maker marked to nut: 'A Nagalski, I Kraj. Medaljernia, Warszawa Bielanska 16'. Shows age and wear. Very attractive and desirable badge. Item # Pol-6 *SOLD*

Polish firefighters in Czechoslovakia, 10th Jubilee medal, 1921-1931. Bronze gilt, great details (especially high relief to obverse). This is a relatively unknown medal and it took us 'forever' to find it in reference books (S. Oberleitner, 1st part - page 279/280). Awarded to members of some 40 firefighter units operating in the Cieszyn region in Silesia. Outstanding details, some wear to gilt. Ribbon appears to be original (lightly soiled) along with suspension bar (ball tips and horizontal locking pin). Would make for great addition to your Polish medals collection. Considered rare. 34mm in diameter. Item # Pol-7. *SOLD*

NEW!Order of Polonia Restituta (Restored Poland). Officer in gilt, superb pre-War quality by Wiktor Gontarczyk. All original. Ribbon with 22mm rosette. Complete with fitted case of issue. Order/ribbon in excellent condition; case showing age and few dark spots. Lid embossing still well preserved. Cross 51mm wide. Best example we've ever handled. Don't miss this one! Item # Pol-8 *SOLD*

1863 Insurrection commemorative cross. Issued in 1933. 3 part construction. Enamels intact (one tiny chip beneath the suspension eye). Reverse plain, serial number deeply impressed : 22. Ref. WES #976. Original ribbon faded to front. Hard to find. Item # Pol-9 *SOLD*

WW2 Commemorative badge of 2nd Artillery Group (Polish Armed Forces in the West). Badge in silver (stamped '800' to reverse of cross and wreath). 2 small 'pipe rivets' attaching wreath to cross. Original nut with maker's name: 'F.M.Lorioli, Milano-Roma' - they made most of badges and insignia for Polish units in Italy. Comes with original paper pouch of issue (maker's logo and stamped 'Srebro 800'). Great set in virtually unused condition. 44.5mm x 44.9mm. Item # Pol-10 *SOLD*

Cross of Valor 1939 type. Bronze, original ribbon. Great details. As issued in Poland and France at the beginning of WW2. Very good condition. Not numbered (this is proper) Item # Pol-12 *SOLD*

Air Force medal. Awarded to the personnel who served on active duty during WW2. White metal with silver-plating. Enamelled Polish Air Force symbol (white and red) in form of the checkerboard within laurel wreath to obverse. Reverse inscribed 'Polska swemu obroncy'. Shows light wear. No damage to enamel. Arranged with a short length of proper but contemporary ribbon. 34.5mm diameter. Item # Pol-15. *SOLD*

Polish Navy medal. Established in 1945 by Polish Government in England. Awarded to all Navy personnel who actively served during the WW2. There were only approximately 1200 of these awarded, making it a pretty tough find. Obverse containing an arm holding raised sword within laurel wreath. Reverse inscribed: ' Polska swemu obroncy'. Original ribbon in navy blue and white edge stripes. Silver-plated. Shows age and some wear. Some light scratches to obverse and light edge damage (around eyelet area). Eyelet shows much age with green patina and darkening. Overall good condition. Item # Pol-16. *SOLD*

Prisoner's of War in Hungary (1918) badge, commonly known as 'Rarancza'. Issued to Poles who were interned during WW1. Crowned eagle with oval medallion of the 2nd Brigade of Josef Pilsudski (on its chest). Reverse has names of different towns (camps) where PoW's were held. Number '2806'deeply impressed . Great detail to feathers and the medallion. Replacement ribbon, ribbed suspender. 28mm x 60mm. Shows age and wear points. Guaranteed original. Hard to find item. Item # Pol-29 *SOLD*

NEW!Medal for the 10th anniversary of restoring independence. Medal instituted in 1928. Obverse featuring Marshal Pilsudski. Reverse of a peasant plowing, foliage to sides. Dates 1918- 1928 below. Bronze. 35mm in diameter. Original ribbon faded, small pull to top. Showing wear and age, some minor scratches. 35mm. Designer's name to obverse. National mint production. Item # Pol-32   *SOLD*

Medal for long service, 20 years. Established in 1938 (first awards of the bronze medals took place May 5th 1938, silver medals in 1939). Awarded for military and state sanctioned branches of civil service like police and such. Round medal in silver (hallmarked to rim 'Ago. 950). National crowned eagle within stylized rye stalks. Reverse with laurel branch and Roman numerals XX. Original ribbon. Very good condition, light tarnish. 35mm in diameter. Item # Pol-34 *SOLD*

NEW! 1918/1919 Defenders of Eastern Borders commemorative badge, also known as the 'Orleta' badge (Eaglets). This is the 2nd (1928 issue) type. According to award document (not included with item) such badges were given for bravery and faithful service to fatherland during defence of Lwow (major city in Eastern Poland) and the region during War with Ukraine 1918/1919. In some rare cases these were also issued for War against Soviets in 1920. Most wonderful example in silvered bronze with enamels intact. 2 parts: Lwow's coat of arms/wreath with tiny cross of Virtuti Militari attached to body with small threaded nut. Badge highly vaulted. Backplate thoroughly hallmarked: "EWIDENCJA ORLAT, LWOW, Wl. BUSZEK, L... .. 3013 (serial numbers impressed). Showing age and wear, some under-enamel cracking on right and bottom arms but none chipped. Rare and wonderful badge.  37mm.  Ref: Stela - fig. 13.13.c, Wesolowski - fig. 885 (note Wesolowski is listing 45mm - it had to be private purchase as all others we examined in the past along with 3 in our collection are 36-38mm). Item # Pol-38 *SOLD*

Headquarters Polish Army East. War with Russia era. Extremely rare badges as numbers made were miniscule. 4-armed cross with letters DOW to top arm, W.P. to left, WSCH to right and 1918-1919 to bottom arm. Crowned eagle to center. Variant of the badge with rays between arms removed ( actually never been made with it as no signs of removal are present). Badge in bronze, all silver plating is gone. Shows much age and wear, no real damage though. 34mm x 34mm. Cross is nicely vaulted. Nice original. Item # Pol-39 *SOLD*

1944 Monte Cassino commemorative cross. Awarded to Polish troops taking part in assault of the famous mountain-top church defended by the German paratroopers. Many of the soldiers had been killed, few units nearly decimated. All original. Black anodized bronze cross. Cross is numbered to reverse '22044'. 40mm x 40mm. Very good condition. Item # Pol-43. *SOLD*

Horse Artillery Division badge. This is the second type of the badge (first type had shorter pennant and was issued at the very beginning. Third type followed with different colors to pennant). 4-armed white enamelled cross with dates 1809, 1918 to arms. Separate piece of crowned eagle upon crossed cannons with pennant beneath to center. Deeply vaulted badge. Appears to be silver-plated on bronze or copper. Shows age and wear, no excessive damage. Enamels intact. Post and nut for fastening. Nut marked by maker (J. Chylinski Warszawa). All original. Very good detail to eagle. Rarely seen badge and in remarkable condition. 43mm x 43mm. Item # Pol-45 *SOLD*

Wielkopolski Uprising army badge. 1st type. Issued for participation in uprisings during 1918-19 against Germans. Medieval style sword with broken chains and small Polish flag upon black enamelled cross. Intertwined letters 'WW' below. Great detail. Badge in bronze. Guaranteed original. Very good condition, enamels intact. Post/nut for fastening. Very rare piece to be found outside of Poland. There were only few semi-organized units eligible for wear of this badge, so one may consider it quite rare. 16mm x 49mm. Item # Pol-46 *SOLD*

WW2 badge of the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment. Yellow enamelled 4-armed cross with old style hussar's helmet to center. 2 piece construction. Silver helmet with yellow enamelled details affixed to cross via prong and the center post. Appers to be bronze. Superb quality. Shows age and wear, no damage to enamel. Old screw/post for fastening. Great adition to Polish WW2 collection. 33mm x 33mm. Item # Pol-47 *SOLD*

Silesian (Cieszyn) medal. Authorized as an award for participation in bringing back the region of Silesia from the Czech in 1938. Although manufactured the medal was not officially awarded. Medal in bronze with Silesian eagle, writing: 'Slask prastara ziemia Polska' to edges of obverse. Reverse of oak and laurel wreath containing inscription: wiecznie z nami 1938'. Very good condition, original ribbon. Quite hard to find. 36mm in diameter. Couple minor edge knocks. Item # Pol-49 *SOLD*

Next 9 items are all from 1 collection of very rare Polish WW1 - WW2 Red Cross pins, badges etc. Most are documented in a Book by W. Stela: 'Polish honor and commemorative badges 1914 1921'. I believe all are scarce as few were issued and many had been destroyed during the wars. Few that remain are rarely up for sale.   This particular one is a very rare miniature to the Red Cross medal of merit 1923 - 1939 type. Full size medals are nearly impossible to obtain as very few were issued. Silver gilt, engraved to reverse: P.C.K Zasludze' (which is what full size medals had. Original ribbon, suspension clasp and chain pin for fastening. Extreme details to eagle. Shows age and light wear. 16.5mm wide. Enamels intact. Item # Rdc-50 *SOLD*

Poland, 1919 badge of the Wielkopolski Red Cross (this was one of main regions of Poland). Some damage to red enamel but only couple tiny chips. Fantastic eagle affixed to the cross. Accents to corners. Lightly vaulted. Beautiful and rare badge. Fitted with secondary post and small nut. 26mm x 25.7mm. Fair to good condition. Silvered bronze. Item # Rdc-51 *SOLD*

Super rare 1915 Polish Commemorative badge of the Men and Ladies Association of the Red Cross of Galicia (southeast part of Poland). Little history to inform you on Polish RC origins. Prior to 1914 Poland was not an independent country and the Red Cross could not officially be formed. Between 1912-19, a number of smaller organizations with similar goals to the RC were formed. Austrian Occupational authorities agreed to allow forming of the 'Polish Samaritan' group. In 1914 groups associated with main cities had been organized in Krakow, Lwow and Warsaw (under the Russian authority). German authorities did not allow such organizations to exist. (Poland was divided between the German, Austrian and Russian Empires.) Only when Poland gained its independence after WW1 ended was the Polish Red Cross was officially founded on April 29, 1919. I have more details on the above topic if you're interested. The badge offered here is for the member of the Krakow (Cracow) branch of the 'Galicja Red Cross'. Black, red and white enamels on silver plated bronze. Check out the intricate pattern to red enamels! Original pinback is gone, but fitted with stick pin. Austrian maker (how interesting), 'Geb. Jager, Gablonz j/n.' impressed to reverse. Most silver wash remains. Some light darkening. 23.5mm in diameter. Extremely rare piece of the European/Polish Red Cross. Very few of these remain today and would be impossible to replace. If you'd like a rare RC item - this is as rare as it gets!!  Item # Rdc-53 *SOLD*

Polish Scouts badge of 'Gdynia ZHP'. It was part of the underground organization just before war ended. Gilded bronze cross with blue enamelled arms. Center of fleur-de-lis imposed upon red enamel disk, surrounded by gilt wreath. Lettering to arms in gilt: Gdynia, ZHP, MRH, 1.4.1945. Very good condition. Shows spotty darkening, but overall great condition. Unmarked but original. 35mm. Rarely seen badge, worn on breast. Item # Pol-58 *SOLD*

1919 For defence of Silesia (Slask) commemorative badge by J.Knedler (marked to nut). Serial number impressed to reverse: 6442. Great details. 33mm dia. Good condition. Item # Pol-59 *SOLD*

Model 1943 Army cap badge (eagle). This is the 2nd type as issued to members of Polish 1st Division attached to the Red Army. These bronze eagles were made in Lublin (city in Eastern Poland) in 1944-45. Nicely curved, original flat prongs for fastening still present. Good details. 49mm x 44mm. Item # Pol-67 *SOLD*

Commemorative Internment badge for the 2nd Infantry Rifle Division. This is the 2nd type as authorized in 1942. Silvered bronze, hallmarked to body and nut by Swiss firm Huguenin. Worn condition, all original. Hard to find badge. 36.5mm x 36.5mm. Item # Pol-70 *SOLD*

1914-16 2nd Brigade of Pilsudski's Legions commemorative badge. Early type. Darkened bronze. Considerable wear. All original , marked to nut by J.Knedler (nut is somewhat loose and shows age). Vaulted. 45.5mm x 32.2mm. One of the earlier badges of Polish armed forces during WW1. Nice example. Good details. Item # Pol-81 *SOLD*

Badge of a 1st Legion, Heavy Artillery Regiment. Cross with separately applied eagle center (via 2 small rivets). Appears to be in Alpaca. Nice old toning to all. Light wear to high points. Great details to all. 1st type of the badge (as authorized in 1921). Ref. Wesolowski book Fig.483 (note that originals did not have green enamels as specified by Mr. Wesolowski). Nut marked by maker: St. Ziemski, Warszawa. 37.5mm x 37.8mm. Lightly vaulted. Item # Pol-83 *SOLD*

Badge of 14th Field Artillery Regiment. One piece (proper for this badge) construction. Majority of original gilt remains although darkened with age. Enamels are OK, some cracking to center white but no chips. Note the proper boulbous enamels to arms (many copies have flat enamels there). Maker marked to nut: 'J. Pendowski, Poznan'. All original and hard to find badge. 35.6mm x 35.4mm. Nicely vaulted. Item # Pol-85 *SOLD*

Badge of 33rd Light Artillery Division. 2 piece badge with eagle/cannons attached to body with 2 rivets. White enamels to arms are cracked and chipped (especially right arm and small piece to the inside of left). Gilding to #33 and crossed cannons still good. Great details to eagle. 43.4mm x 43.4mm. Lightly vaulted. Item # Pol-86 *SOLD*