Poland, II Republic. An Order of Polonia Restituta, Grand Cross, by Władysław Miecznik, c.1925

(Order Odrodzenia Polski). Instituted 1921. 1921-1932 issue. Type I. Sash badge of the order in bronze gilt, consisting of a white enameled Maltese Cross with ball finials, obverse centre featuring an enameled white Polish coat of arms on a red enameled background, (crowned eagle), encircled by an enameled blue border inscribed by POLONIA RESTITUTA (Restituted Poland), reverse centre presenting the date of end of the First World War 1918, on a red enameled background, suspended by ornament ring suspension, measuring 57.95 mm (w) x 58.40 mm (h - inclusive of the integral ring), with minor stained white enamels, extremely fine. Accompanied by the star of the order, an eight-pointed silver star, obverse centre presenting a white and blue enameled medallion in silver gilt, exhibiting the monogram RP (Republic of Polonia) encircled by the inscription POLONIA RESTITUTA, reverse with pin assembly and dual stays, Polish hallmark denoting silver purity of .875 in Russian standards on pin, made in Warsaw since 1920, with mark ""2"" indicated .875 silver, marked twice by maker’s mark of Władysław Miecznik, Warsaw, measuring 69.78 mm (w) x 74.84 mm (h), with toned silver, accompanied by original sash badge, better than fine.

Footnote: The Order of Polonia Restituta was established by the Polish Parliament in 1921. It continued to be awarded by the Government of the Republic of Poland in exile during and after the Second World War and was simultaneously awarded by the People’s Republic of Poland during the post-war period. It was re-established by the Republic of Poland in 1992 following the collapse of the communist regime and remains one of the preeminent decorations in Poland. The Order is conferred upon Polish civilians and military personnel in recognition of achievements in education, science, culture, the arts, the economy, defence, social work, and civil service.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.