Serial number impressed to reverse: 6442. Designer's name to obverse. All Internet links/videos/pictures in here ONLY, Optical equipment repair and refurbishment as a hobby. 1951. Black anodized bronze cross. For Polish citizens who contributed to the regaining or strengthening of the sovereignty of the Republic of Poland, including, in particular, the building of a Polish citizens' community and a sense of national identity, development of science, praising the good name of Poland through culture and art, social development and strengthening ties with Poles abroad and building the economic prosperity of the state. Modelling Forum - Military & non military models. Rarely offered for sale. Youll see ad results based on factors like relevancy, and the amount sellers pay per click. The medal is presented by the Polish Minister of National Defence in three grades: Most awards are presented to members of allied armed forces, but the medal is also awarded to civilians who contribute to promoting the history and traditions of the Polish Army outside of Poland. Worn condition, all original. Medal instituted in 1928. Works a treat and doesnt get any on the ribbons. All Rights Reserved. Before you start cleaning your medal, you need to remove the ribbon thats attached to it. www.identifymedals.com Identify Medals All rights reserved - 2022, The Medal of the Armed Forces in the Service of the Fatherland, The Military Order Of The Duchy Of Warsaw, The Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, The Medal for Merit to Culture Gloria Artis, The Home Army Cross or Armia Krajowa Cross. Use a vacuum cleaner to dust off your military ribbons. (10% off), Sale Price $20.62 Genio Telegr. Czar Nicholas, associated by Polish patriots with the suppression of the Polish Rebellion of 1830-1831 and with a repressive policy toward Poland, died in 1855. police. Good news! [1] The medal is presented in three grades Gold, Silver, and Bronze by the Polish Minister of National Defence. CAD $35.00. For extraordinary achievements in defense of the Rights of the Child. Other orders in the order they were received. 1930's vintage. Original ribbon, suspension clasp and chain pin for fastening. Firm of Huguenin (in Switzerland) provided first stock of proper ribbon. Combat decoration, conferred to a military, irrespective of rank and service for combat valor against an act of terror in the territory of Poland or while on a mission of the Armed Forces overseas. This particular one is a very rare miniature to the Red Cross medal of merit 1923 - 1939 type. Maker marked to nut: 'Z. NOTE, this item was lost/stolen in transit - please notify us if it is circulating on the market. Inscribed to center: 'Za saslugi dla sprawy Polskiej, zwiazek zolnierzy kresowych 1956-XV-1971'. Excellent example of this rather obsure award. Awarded for military and state sanctioned branches of civil service, e.g. Shows age and some wear, no damage. Polish Medal for Sacrifice and Courage (Item POL 1-8). All original , marked to nut by J.Knedler (nut is somewhat loose and shows age). This can unnecessarily scratch it and can cause additional damage to the aging metal. Item # Pol-67 *SOLD*, Commemorative Internment badge for the 2nd Infantry Rifle Division. Medal for the . Wrap them with a soft cloth and store them away from sunlight. 1951. Sadly, all of the Swiss ribbons were of inferior quality and often fell apart in relatively short wear. Original ribbon. Scrub the medal gently with a soft toothbrush if it is very dirty. Does shopping on Etsy help support small businesses? French and the Italians issued such commemorative medals (not the British). Obverse featuring 3 serpents being pierced with swords. Silver-plated. Crisp details. Item # Pol-2 *SOLD*, 1943 Cross of Valor. Very good condition. National mint. Black, red and white enamels on silver plated bronze. The Polish Order of the Virtuti Militari was established in 1792 by King Stanislaw August Poniatowski to recognize and reward outstanding military valor above and beyond the call of duty. Between the arms of the cross are stylized rays. 1920 Cross of Valour, type 1. The badge offered here is for the member of the Krakow (Cracow) branch of the 'Galicja Red Cross'. 39mm x 39.5mm. Very good condition. After a heavy session in the Warrior Club in Alanbrooke Barracks, Paderborn, one of the lads decided to see if it was true. National crowned eagle within stylized rye stalks. For recognition of military or police personnel. to left, WSCH to right and 1918-1919 to bottom arm. On the reverse side there is an embossed stylized inscription in two lines: WOJSKO / POLSKIE. 35mm in diameter. (20% off), Sale Price $18.00 Bronze. Bronze gilt, great details (especially high relief to obverse). German authorities did not allow such organizations to exist. Most of these decorations ceased to be awarded; some were awarded before the World War II only, and some in the People's Republic of Poland only; order of some of them was changed by law. (25% off), Sale Price $21.19 Ad vertisement by VintagePorcKelebek. It is die struck and of good quality. 23.5mm in diameter. Among the numerous medals and awards covered by the guide are the: Victoria Cross (VC) Distinguished Service Order (DSO) Military Cross (MC) Military Medal (MM) Mention in Dispatches. Heres how to properly clean your military medals. Ribbon shows age and wear, pulls and slight damages to the white edge stripes etc. Appers to be bronze. Item # Pol-20 *SOLD*, 1918-1921 War Volunteers Medal. 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). Carefully detach the ribbon. The reverse is plain aside for a two line inscription "WOJSKO POLSKIE" (Polish Army). 61.5mm x 41.3mm. 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). Reverse with laurel branch and Roman numeral X. Item # Pol-59 *SOLD*, Model 1943 Army cap badge (eagle). They commemorate your most illustrious achievements during your time of service. Overall good condition. Item # Pol-4. Item # Pol-109 *SOLD*. The PolishLithuanian Commonwealth was established in 1569, one of Europes largest countries. Number of volunteers from various countries fought during this conflict on Republican side. Decorations of the Republic of Poland 1918-1945 (Second Republic) Decorations of People's Republic of Poland 1944-1989 Decorations of the Republic of Poland since 1990 (Third Republic) UN and international Decorations awarded to Poles Brief history of the Polish award system Bibliographical references (mostly in Polish) The smallest nozzle of your vacuum cleaner should do the trick. Polish Independent Carpathian Rifle Brigade badge $35.00 Quick View Polish 19th Field Artillery Regiment badge $35.00 Quick View Polish 21th Wisla Lancers Regiment badge $35.00 Quick View Polish 2nd Cadet Corps badge $35.00 Quick View Polish 3rd Cadet Corps badge $35.00 Quick View Polish Central Cavalry Training badge $35.00 Quick View Awarded to those who participated in activities to restore independence. Shows wear and age. Do the same with the clasp if your medal has one, Let he that is without Ammo cast the first Stone. Rub medals with it then get a clean cloth and rub them again. *SOLD*, 1918-1921 War commemorative medal in bronze. Original 'hardware' intact. Item # Us-18. Ribbons with inscription to bottom (OBRONCOM PRZEMYSLA). 36mm in diameter. Unaltered suspension. Early type. 66mm x 34mm. VintagePorcKelebek (17) $29.01 FREE shipping WWII Polish Combatants' Association Commemorative Medal GibsonsVintageShop (655) $18.50 Lot 10 religious medal vintagereligious (810) $16.74 *SOLD*, 67th Infantry Regiment badge. Great set in virtually unused condition. Don't miss this one! These bronze eagles were made in Lublin (city in Eastern Poland) in 1944-45. 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). The NHS Overused? Other crosses and awards in the order they were received. A bit of search revealed that he was a commanding officer of the 7th Uhlans during WW1! Item # Pol-88. - Plot. It came in 5 classes: Her . . Lace the box with a soft cotton cloth and wrap the medals in soft linen for additional protection. Liquid "Silver Dip" - drop it in, take out and wipe. U.S. National Archives Local Identifier:165-WW-578B(2). 4-armed white enamelled cross with dates 1809, 1918 to arms. Silver gilt, engraved to reverse: P.C.K Zasludze' (which is what full size medals had. It is not entirely clear if these were indeed issued with the ribbon, likely not. Center of fleur-de-lis imposed upon red enamel disk, surrounded by gilt wreath. Maker marked to nut: 'A Nagalski, I Kraj. The VIRTUTI MILITARI is functional equivalent to the American Medal of Honor, the German Pour le Mrite, or the British Victoria Cross, being the highest purely military award for gallantry. How Joe Biden's Student Loan Forgiveness plan will impact the tax payer: Explained. Most young men were required to serve in or register for military service in Poland. Original Price $31.36 Great design. Prior to 1914 Poland was not an independent country and the Red Cross could not officially be formed. Comes with the original 'western' (as awarded to Poles in UK during WW2) colored ribbon. Showing age and typical wear; one minor edge ding. Jager, Gablonz j/n.' Very nice condition (shows age), enamels intact. Item # Pol-27 *SOLD*, Commemorative badge of 2nd assembly/meeting of former Legionnaires. There were only few semi-organized units eligible for wear of this badge, so one may consider it quite rare. Very good detail to this rare piece. Item # Rdc-50 *SOLD*, Poland, 1919 badge of the Wielkopolski Red Cross (this was one of main regions of Poland). 35mm in diameter. Hopes invested in the new Czar, Alexander II., labelled a liberal, regarding a liberalization of the Russian administration in Poland, were soon disappointed. Magnification reveals numerous mint-made vertical die polish lines in the fields on each side. Officially numbered on the reverse: 12202 - cleanly impressed as it was proper with these (first series award crosses). Military medals are made out of different types of metals. Medieval style sword with broken chains and small Polish flag upon black enamelled cross. The numbers of awards are unknown and not many survived unscathed. Avoid putting too much pressure and wipe it gently. Know about the Vietnam War veteran's awards, family and military career. Austrian maker (how interesting), 'Geb. Great details to all. Enamels intact. Learn more. 49mm x 44mm. Bestowed for outstanding non-combat meritorious achievement or service. Combat decoration, conferred to a military, irrespective of rank and service for combat valor against an act of terror in the territory of Poland or while on a mission of the Armed Forces overseas. VintagePorcKelebek. Unnumbered (proper). Reverse of a peasant plowing, foliage to sides. Most are documented in a Book by W. Stela: 'Polish honor and commemorative badges 1914 1921'. Impressed number to top of reverse '90' - this is rather unusual - perhaps a replacement for old pre-war Government issue. National mint production. Awarded to foreigners for contributing to good foreign relations. Very nice. The "Lockdown Files": Telegraph publish Matt Hancock's pandemic WhatsApp messages. Poland WW1 WW2 Military Medals Orders Decorations Cross Merit PR PRL 1923 Polish WWI 1914 1918 WWII 1939 1945 Award West East Front Army Navy Airforce Resistance Nazi War Blitzkrieg Battle Britain Free Polish Dunkirk Normandy Bastien D-Day Ardennes Paris People's Republic Communism Military Medals Orders Badges Decorations Insignia Army Navy Air Force Pilot Wings decals Dracomedals Medals-Orders Ribbons are made from fabric that doesnt do well with too much heat and dry conditions. Complete with fitted case of issue. Today is the day of memory of Vasily Margelov.<br> <br>Vasily Filippovich Margelov (27.12.1908 - 4.03.1990) - Soviet military leader, commander of the Airborne Forces in 1954-1959 and 1961-1979, army general, Hero of the Soviet Union, laureate of the State Prize of the USSR, candidate of military sciences. Civil state award established to recognize services to the state. Civil award for risking one's life to save another's. Badge in bronze, all silver plating is gone. Quick view. MINISTRY OF DEFENCE. The wreath, the border of the cross, the bundles of rays and the reverse are gilded, silvered or patinated brown, depending on the grade of the medal. United States | English (US) | $ (USD). Complete with original issue ribbon and embroidered clasp for fastening. Decoration of Honor "For Merits to the Rights of the Child Protection". Pension Multiplier - commuted of full pension value used? Orders, decorations, and medals of Poland, Currently recognized state awards subject to order of precedence, Medal of the Centenary of Regained Independence, Medal of the Armed Forces in the Service of the Fatherland, Krzy na lskiej Wstdze Walecznoci i Zasugi, Order of Merit of the People's Republic of Poland, Za Udzia w Walkach w Obronie Wadzy Ludowej, Medal of the 10th Anniversary of People's Poland, Medal of the 30th Anniversary of People's Poland, Medal of the 40th Anniversary of People's Poland, Regulation of the Polish President of 10 November 1992 on the description, material, dimensions of Designs and how to wear badges and circumstances of decoration, Regulation of the Polish President on 31 July 2007 amending the Regulation on the description, material, dimensions, designs, drawings and how to wear badges and the circumstances of orders and decorations, Regulation of the Polish President on 15 November 2010 amending the Regulation on the description, material, dimensions, designs, drawings and how to wear badges and the circumstances of orders and decorations, Cross of Merit of the Army of Central Lithuania, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Orders,_decorations,_and_medals_of_Poland&oldid=1132692635, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Deeply vaulted cross. Many sellers on Etsy offer personalized, made-to-order items. For extraordinary achievements in defense of the Rights of the Child. Austrian empire was one of the Partitioning powers that sliced off various parts of Poland back in XVIII century until it was gone from the map of Europe (Prussia and Russia were other two). Once you see that the tarnish has considerably detached itself from the metal, rinse the medals with running water. Lettering to arms in gilt: Gdynia, ZHP, MRH, 1.4.1945. Medal in bronze with Silesian eagle, writing: 'Slask prastara ziemia Polska' to edges of obverse. Metal polish. Under the arms of the cross is a laurel wreath. Post worn and slightly bent. The following is a list of medals, awards and decorations in use in Poland. Guaranteed original. Awarded for unique achievements for the Nation and the Country. Medal in gilded bronze. (many are works of famous Polish artists); military memorabilia (uniforms, medals, commemorative badges, sabers, bayonets, etc. Rarely seen badge, worn on breast. 35mm dia. Great condition. Distinguished contributions to the Polish culture and heritage. Some medals were manufactured, no source indicates how many though. (1) WWI British Army 3 min medals bar. Awarded to both civilians and the military for their merits. Third type followed with different colors to pennant). Majority of original gilt remains although darkened with age. ONLINE ONLY Auction from Bosleys Military Auctioneers. Kapral Corporal OR-4 st.kpr. For those who keep remembrance about people of Polish nationality or Polish citizens of other nationalities who are victims of Soviet crimes, Nazi German crimes, nationalist crimes or other crimes against peace, humanity or war crimes, in the period from November 8, 1917, until July 31, 1990. Turning off personalized advertising opts you out of these sales. Learn more in our Privacy Policy., Help Center, and Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy. Item # Pol-58 *SOLD*, 1919 For defence of Silesia (Slask) commemorative badge by J.Knedler (marked to nut). Item # Pol-29 *SOLD*, NEW!Medal for the 10th anniversary of restoring independence. Medals. Writing to edge: Bojownikow Niepodleglosci. Cotton buds are easy to use and effective when it comes to cleaning tiny, narrow corners on the surface. metal polish. Mounted medals are not suitable to be cleaned. Center disk of Marshal Pilsudski's head surrounded by regimental badges (clockwise from left) of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Brigade of Legions during WW1. 35mm diameter. Award number 55 646 (struck to top of reverse). Original badge, multi part construction. Original ribbon faded. *SOLD*, Medal for long service, 20 years. Nice example. Badge in tombac, very good details to all. A Miniature Polish Medal for the Tenth Year of the People's Republic 1944-1954 $55 View EU8510 Add to Compare Two Polish Miniature Medals $60 View EU8511 Add to Compare Two Polish Miniature Medals $50 View EU8551 Add to Compare Four Polish Miniature Medals $65 View EU8695 Add to Compare Four Polish Medals & Awards $125 View EU8697 Add to Compare 33mm x 33mm. To enable personalized advertising (like interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. Item # Pol-66 *SOLD*, Polish Automobile Regiment. Rare variation with attribution to 15th anniversary of organizing the Army (this area on the reverse is normally blank). *SOLD*, Medal for long service, 10 years. The items in these collections were mostly gifts from individuals or organizations and are available on-site.12 Considerable wear. Polish Orders,Medals, Badges and Insignia, 1705-1985 consists of over 1380 photos of almost all Polish civilian and military decorations many are in color. 13.13.c, Wesolowski - fig. Awarded to all Navy personnel who actively served during the WW2. Military medals are designed to last forever; they just need a little preservation to keep them looking new! Tissue napkins can get soggy and clumps of it could get stuck to the crevices on the surface of your medal. Complete with an old (lightly soiled) ribbon in the Silesian colours. Multi part construction. Silvered bronze, hallmarked to body and nut by Swiss firm Huguenin. Item # Pol-70 *SOLD*, 1914-16 2nd Brigade of Pilsudski's Legions commemorative badge. For Polish military personnel awarded for long service in the Polish armed forces. National Defense Medal-goldplated (French language "Mdaille de la Dfense nationale") 1st class with a bar, two French military badges with red and blue enamels and polish medal. Reverse has names of different towns (camps) where PoW's were held. For merits of personel of Police, Firefighters, For special merits in cultivating the memory of the struggle for the independence of the Polish, For outstanding contributions in perpetuating the memory of the people and deeds in the struggle for Polish independence during World War II, Decoration of Honor "For Merit To Human Rights Protection". This page was last edited on 10 January 2023, at 02:49. Services to the Polish armed forces by foreign civilian and military personnel, Medal of the National Education Commission. Avoid keeping your medals in damp and moist environments. Original ribbon in navy blue and white edge stripes. Prussian Army Project contains over 180,000 names of soldiers serving in Prussian Army during WW I that have been killed, wounded, lost, or taken prisoner. Either Duraglit, Brasso, Silvo, Autosol.. whatever. Services to the Polish armed forces in peacekeeping or other international operations, and for studies in Polish military history. Set 2 pcs Polish military medals. When Chang controlled Tientsin and Beijing between 1926 and 1928, the Tientsin Mint struck four silver dollars, two copper patterns for 20 Yuan and 40 Yuan gold coins and this exceedingly rare 50 Yuan gold piece. 37mm. Couple minor edge knocks. Original Price $11.08 (20% off), Sale Price $49.50 Military Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. Slight enamel chip at 2 o'clock. Including: (1) WWI - WWII US Army 9 mini medals bar. Excellent condition, only few contact spots. Some light darkening. Post navigation Instituted in 1930. Item # Pol-9 *SOLD*, WW2 Commemorative badge of 2nd Artillery Group (Polish Armed Forces in the West). Although manufactured the medal was not officially awarded. 42mm x 26mm. [1] The medal is presented in three grades Gold, Silver, and Bronze by the Polish Minister of National Defence. Polish Medals from the WW2 Period The Medal of Victory and Freedom 1945 The Silesian Uprising Cross The Partisan Cross (Poland) The Order of the Cross of Grunwald The Monte Cassino Commemorative Cross The Army Medal for War 1939-45 The Cross of Merit with Swords (Poland) Explore all WW2 Medals & Awards > Polish Medals from the Post-WW2 Period Please note that Photograph linked above has unrestricted use. (Poland was divided between the German, Austrian and Russian Empires.) The acetone will remove most lacquers used to coat medals. Very good condition. Turning off the personalized advertising setting wont stop you from seeing Etsy ads or impact Etsy's own personalization technologies, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive. Rare badge in any case. Shows age darkening and some wear. Ernst Primavesi". Crowned eagle to center. Badge highly vaulted. I will post a link to pictures. $882.42, $928.86 Badge in bronze, silver plating worn in places. 1240). There are bundles of rays between the arms of the cross. 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). Nicely detailed. Enamels intact (one tiny chip beneath the suspension eye). Full size medals are nearly impossible to obtain as very few were issued. Jzef Uycki was a Polish military officer, and communist politician. Also, silvered medals for the officers are in existance but are very rare. Distinguished contributions to the Polish culture and heritage. For deported to Siberia, Kazakhstan and northern Russia by the Soviet regime after September 17, 1939, as well to their children who were born there, For Polish military personnel awarded for long service in the Polish armed forces. Repeat the above steps if further cleaning is required. Medal is guaranteed original, period issue. police. North Staffordshire Regiment who died 26/11/1916 LOOS MEMORIAL France. Iam in the same situation to you, my Father server in the Polish Forces under the British command . Variant of the badge with rays between arms removed ( actually never been made with it as no signs of removal are present). He was a general in the Polish Army and Polish General Staff of Poland from 1983 to 1990. Some damage to red enamel but only couple tiny chips. The ribbon bar of the bronze medal is unadorned. Bronze and enamels. Original variant ribbon (white with red center stripe), one of three variations allowed. Shipping policies vary, but many of our sellers offer free shipping when you purchase from them. (1) French Militaire medal. Highest civil decoration of the People's Republic of Poland. The jump ring has the distinct feature of the notched connection which was not soldered shut. Riveting of crown/cipher visible upon close examination. In 1914 groups associated with main cities had been organized in Krakow, Lwow and Warsaw (under the Russian authority). (50% off), Sale Price $3.38 Decoration of Honor "For Merit In Actions Outside the Republic of Poland". Awarded to those who participated in activities to restore independence. Few that remain are rarely up for sale. All original. Struck in bronze (cast copies do exist). (Liquid "Silver Dip" - drop it in), If your medals are mounted, I find the easiest method is to cut pieces of card to fit behind the Clasp, and a piece to fit tightly behind the medal (to protect the ribbon). Since medals and ribbons go together, you dont want to cause any damage to either one. Most wonderful example in silvered bronze with enamels intact. Help identify medals for a Polish soldiers Grandson please [7] - History ~ 2011; Polish Military Medals, WWI era found in Detroit [9] - History ~ 2011; Claiming Zachowek from Australia [11] - Law ~ 2022; I'm currently living with a Pole who has been claiming benefits in the UK [35] - UK, Ireland ~ 2012 Most are made from silver, red brass, copper, gilded metals, or are gold-plated. Enamels in perfect condition. Silvered centre disc is well detailed, attached to body via 3 small rivets. Ribbon is a replacement. There are several documents with them also, i have pictured them as well. Maker marked to nut: 'J. Lightly gilded, enamels with some spider cracking and 2 small chips. $20.62, $27.50 Gilding to #33 and crossed cannons still good. Part for TT-33: Tokarev magazine latch with spring and lock. If your medal is made out of bronze or a copper alloy, you need metal polish wipes to clean it. Quite hard to find. You've already signed up for some newsletters, but you haven't confirmed your address. Shows age and light wear. With powerful tools and services, along with expert support and education, we help creative entrepreneurs start, manage, and scale their businesses. Leave the medals in the mixture for at least an hour. 45.5mm x 32.2mm. US$45.00 Add to Basket Poland Badge of the Brotherhood at Arms 1975 1991 POLAND: Badge of Brotherhood at Arms. Most often, medals are made of silver, gold, or are gold-plated. Here are a few household ingredients that you could use to properly clean your military medals: Keeping your medals clean and free from corrosion has a lot to do with how you store them. Wesolowski book Fig.483 (note that originals did not have green enamels as specified by Mr. Wesolowski). This ORIGINAL cross is made in what appears to be tombac. 16mm x 49mm. To maintain regular temperatures, store your medals in a cardboard box. Reverse shows excellent patina, number engraved to the bottom '1839'. Very attractive and desirable badge. Original Price $65.00 Item # Pol-36 *SOLD*, WW1 decoration/medal called Haller's Swords for Americans. DAONPHARI Military Fighter Alloy Die Cast Model, 1/48 Scale Polish Air Force MIG-29 Fighter Model, Adult Toys And Decorations Collection: The light meter model is a finished product without installation. Item # Pol-43. Obverse containing an arm holding raised sword within laurel wreath. Badge in bronze. On theobverse of themedal there isa Maltese cross covered with red enamel. 35.7mm. $26.66, $31.36 Other orders in the order they were received. Issued by the Association of Polish Veterans in America. While many of the items on Etsy are handmade, youll also find craft supplies, digital items, and more. Shows age and wear points. Reverse with laurel branch and Roman numerals XX. Regimental Blazers, Blazer Badges and Buttons Etc. Item # Pol-8 *SOLD*, 1863 Insurrection commemorative cross. 9 Cleaning Medal Ribbons 10 Brush JK Militaria offering Polish militaria, orders, medals and badges from WW1, WW2 and earlier. DESCRIPTION: The Medal for Sacrifice and Courage is a Polish medal established on February 17, 1960.It's awarded to those who, with disregard for their own life, save people from drowning, aid the victims of natural disasters, fires, explosions, or other unfortunate circumstances, or protect the property of others during such events. Most of these decorations ceased to be awarded; some were awarded before the World War II only, and some in the People's Republic of Poland only; order of some of them was changed by law. These crosses were awarded to select members of General's army between 1920 and late 1930's. High relief and great detail. When left untouched over long periods of time, medals attract dust, grime, and begin to rust. Officer in gilt, superb pre-War quality by Wiktor Gontarczyk.