Includes:
1. Cross of Merit, III Class Bronze Grade, Type I (Krzyż Zasługi). Instituted in 1923. In bronze gilt, unmarked, measuring 40.5 mm (w) x 45.3 mm inclusive of its integral ring, light contact, original ribbon.
2. Medal of Independence (Medal Niepodległości). Instituted in 1930. In bronze gilt, measuring 35 mm (w) x 39.7 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, edge nicks, spotting, very light contact overall, original ribbon.
Together, better than very fine.
Footnotes:
1. The Cross of Merit is a Polish civil state decoration established on June 23, 1923, to recognize services to the state. At the time of its establishment in 1923, the Cross of Merit was the highest civilian award in Poland. It was awarded to citizens who went beyond the call of duty in their work for the country and society as a whole, in three grades: Gold, Silver and Bronze. It may be awarded twice in each grade to the same person.
2. The Cross of Independence (and its associated Medal) was the second highest Polish military decoration between the First and Second World Wars. It was awarded to individuals who had fought actively for the independence of Poland and was established with a decree of the President of Poland of October 29, 1930. It was to be awarded to the people who laid foundations for the independence of the Fatherland before the World War or during it, as well as during the fights between 1818 and 1921, with the exception of the Polish-Russian War. After 1938, it was also awarded to people responsible for Zaolzie's annexation by Poland. The Cross of Independence had three classes: 1. Cross of Independence with Swords (1,818 awarded by 1938); 2. Cross of Independence (7,917 awarded by 1938); and 3. Medal of Independence (51,735 awarded all together). Both the Cross and the Medal were designed by professor Mieczysław Kotarbiński and most of the copies were made by Warsaw-based jeweller Wiktor Gontarczyk.