09-11-2004, 10:14 PM
Sebastian,
Thanks once again for the great translation. ;)
I tend to agree with your hypothesis that the "genuine" communist Grunwald first class could be in solid gold. Maybe the version up to 1952 on the neck ribbon.
Unlike Soviet awards there are offical restrikes and repro's so just because William's Cross is not solid Gold doesn't mean it is fake, it all depends on the collectors own views.
To quote Mr Wesolowski, After WW II, returning veterans were unable to obtain replacement decorations since the post-war Polish government became a People’s Republic. They were forbidden to wear pre-WWII decorations because military contributions of pre-WWII soldiers were not recognized by the new government. During the last few years, the politics have changed and veterans of WWI and WWII who have their old decorations can now wear them. Those who did not, purchased jewelers retrikes or bought them from collectors.
Also a quote, many Polish awards were made abroad. During WW II a small number of Orders of Virtuti Militari, Medals on the Field of Glory and Polonia Restituta were made in solid gold and silver at the Moscow State Mint. In London, the firm of Spink and Son produced the Orders of the Virtuti Militari in the Grand Cross (10 sets), a large number of 4th and 5th class, the Order of the White Eagle (10 sets), Crosses of Merit and the Orders of the Polonia Restituta in sterling silver with gold gilt for the Polish Government in exile.
It's all very complex when talking about "fake" Polish awards.
Eddie.
Thanks once again for the great translation. ;)
I tend to agree with your hypothesis that the "genuine" communist Grunwald first class could be in solid gold. Maybe the version up to 1952 on the neck ribbon.
Unlike Soviet awards there are offical restrikes and repro's so just because William's Cross is not solid Gold doesn't mean it is fake, it all depends on the collectors own views.
To quote Mr Wesolowski, After WW II, returning veterans were unable to obtain replacement decorations since the post-war Polish government became a People’s Republic. They were forbidden to wear pre-WWII decorations because military contributions of pre-WWII soldiers were not recognized by the new government. During the last few years, the politics have changed and veterans of WWI and WWII who have their old decorations can now wear them. Those who did not, purchased jewelers retrikes or bought them from collectors.
Also a quote, many Polish awards were made abroad. During WW II a small number of Orders of Virtuti Militari, Medals on the Field of Glory and Polonia Restituta were made in solid gold and silver at the Moscow State Mint. In London, the firm of Spink and Son produced the Orders of the Virtuti Militari in the Grand Cross (10 sets), a large number of 4th and 5th class, the Order of the White Eagle (10 sets), Crosses of Merit and the Orders of the Polonia Restituta in sterling silver with gold gilt for the Polish Government in exile.
It's all very complex when talking about "fake" Polish awards.
Eddie.
Everybody's equal, But some more than others!
"Those who come to us with the sword - will be killed by the sword" - Alexander Nevski
"Those who come to us with the sword - will be killed by the sword" - Alexander Nevski
