Poland, Republic. An Order of Polonia Restituta, Grand Cross Star, by Wiktor Gontarczyk

Instituted 4 February 1921. Type 1 (1921-1939 issue). Constructed of silver with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of an eight-pointed radiant star, the obverse with a central white enameled medallion bearing stylized gilt initials of “RP” for “Rzeczpospolita Polska” (“Republic of Poland”), surrounded by a blue enameled ring with a gilt inscription of “POLONIA RESTITUTA” (“REBIRTH OF POLAND”), the reverse with a barrel hinge and vertical pinback meeting a round wire catch, flanked by stabilizing clips, the pinback maker marked “WG” for Wiktor Gontarczyk, Warsaw, along with a woman’s head, the reverse of the medal similarly marked with “WG” as well as with a woman’s head flanked by a number “3” (for a silver content of .800) and a letter “W” for Warsaw, with three visible rivets holding in place obverse applique, measuring 74.79 mm (w) x 74.44 mm (h), weighing 41.6 grams, accompanied by its period original case of issue, constructed of a wood frame with a faux red leather exterior, the obverse lid with a gold embossed Polish national eagle inside of a ring inscribed “POLONIA RESTITUTA” (“REBIRTH OF POLAND”), the interior with a padded white satin-type lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a depressed and slotted white doeskin medal bed, opening with a functional magnetic metal spring catch with exterior stud release and dual functional magnetic metal hinges, measuring 110 mm (w) x 115 mm (l) x 38 mm (h), in extremely fine condition.