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Polish Gold Cross of Merit with Swords – Złoty Krzyż Zasługi z Mieczami
Offered for sale is a Polish Gold Cross of Merit with Swords (Złoty Krzyż Zasługi z Mieczami), a historically important Polish wartime decoration.
The Cross of Merit with Swords (Krzyż Zasługi z Mieczami) was established by the Polish Government in Exile on 19 October 1942 as a wartime decoration. It was awarded for acts of bravery and courage performed during wartime outside direct combat, as well as for significant service to the Polish state or its citizens under particularly dangerous circumstances. The decoration was divided into three grades: Gold, Silver and Bronze.
This example features the characteristic design of the decoration:
- Red-enamelled cross
- Radiating rays between the arms of the cross
- Central white medallion bearing the RP monogram for Rzeczpospolita Polska
- Gold-tone/gilt finish
- Pair of crossed swords above the cross
- Original-style red/crimson ribbon with blue stripes along the edges
The Polish regulations describe the decoration as a cross with red enamel, rays between the arms and an RP monogram in the centre, suspended below crossed swords. The ribbon is described as crimson with blue stripes along the edges.
Historical background
The Cross of Merit with Swords was created during the Second World War by the Polish authorities in exile. It was intended to recognize acts of courage and exceptional service performed under dangerous wartime circumstances.
The three grades were:
I Class – Gold Cross of Merit with Swords
II Class – Silver Cross of Merit with Swords
III Class – Bronze Cross of Merit with Swords
The decoration continued to be represented in later Polish medal traditions, and examples exist from different manufacturers and periods. Consequently, identifying the exact manufacturer and production period of an individual example requires examination of the reverse and any maker's markings.
Condition
This medal is in good vintage collectible condition.
The decoration shows normal signs of age and previous handling, including minor surface wear, possible discoloration/tarnishing and small imperfections to the finish and enamel.
The ribbon is included and shows normal signs of age and storage.
Please examine all photographs carefully, including the close-up photographs of the front and reverse. The photographs are part of the description and show the exact medal and ribbon that the buyer will receive.
Important material information
Although this is the Gold Cross grade, the term "Gold Cross" refers to the grade of the decoration, not necessarily to solid-gold construction.
Examples of the Gold Cross of Merit with Swords were produced using different materials and finishes. Specialist sale records, for example, document examples made from silver, gilded and enamelled, as well as other gilded-metal versions.
The metal composition of this particular example has not been independently tested. I therefore do not guarantee solid-gold content or a particular gold fineness.
Item included
1 × Polish Gold Cross of Merit with Swords with ribbon
The exact item pictured is the item you will receive.
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