Haller Cross - Miecze * 4-X-1918 * Blue Army in France - WWI Poland - VERY RARE For Sale
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Haller Cross - Miecze * 4-X-1918 * Blue Army in France - WWI Poland - VERY RARE:
$1100.00
Haller Cross - VERY RARE - almost unseen in this state of preservation. On the front: FRANCJA, WLOCHY, JH, date 4-X---1918, Crowned white Eagle with the cross on his chest. White and Amaranth colors of prewar Polish flag are vividly present. Two crossed swords are wider at tips (Miecze); here, as symbol of victory (Re: Grunwald) classify this decoration as a cross rather than medal. Initials are pressed on the medal's reverse: S.Z.V. - see in attached picture. These initials reveal a lot about recipient of this particular cross and, indirectly, explain its great preservation.Notably, the offered cross does not contain the word "AME---RYKA" on the front side, divided by eagle's tail, and positioned above JH (for Jozef Haller). This fact corroborates well with the presence of initials S.Z.V. on the reverse side of the offered cross. The JH cross and the still attached ribbon are genuine. It was not cleaned for at least three decades, and is offered as is.
All pictures were taken at natural light or sunlight illumination. The multiple pictures were taken at different illumination angles to show that entire gold plating remains intact, but at small ares is covered with a "silvery" residue - which at some viewing angles looks dark or smoky. The reason: The eagle part is silver-soldered to the gold plated base - providing (in time) a chance for the spread of darkening patina around eagle's edge (phenomenon well known for silver coins.) Close inspection of this cross and similar ones (from available pictures) indicates that, this was not a mass production item. Since the cross is an assembly of two major parts, the base and the eagle, any cheep attempts to replicate it must be futile. I have not seen any replicas so far.All solders of Blue Army (~65 thousands) did not receive this cross. Comparably, Monte Cassino Cross (of 1944) is offered more often, since well established number of recipients (~48 thousands, all documented) is not questionable.The historic meaning of the date 4-X-1918, imprinted on the cross, is provided (in Polish) in one of the attached pictures. On that subject, I refer English speaking public to consult number of available resources, among them "Wikipedia" on subjects of Blue Army, Gen. Jozef Haller, road to Polish independence after WWI, Wersal Peace Conference, etc.
- Try url: Description:
Cross size: Diamond: 29.5 x 41.5 mm, Max dimensions: 31.5 x 41.5 mm, Sword Length: 51.3 mm
Weight: 15 gMaterial: Silver (judging by darkening areas, associated with silver), Gold covered (on the front side)
Other: Enamels (White, Amaranth) --- Amaranth Strip width: 1.5 mm
Ribbon: Original 20 x 57 mm, faded outside, good inside
Initials: (at the back) S.Z.V.Age: 106 years oldI encourage buyers to investigate the subject thoroughly, gain the knowledge and ask questions.The shipping cost includes an anticipated cost of insurance.
offer responsibly - No Returns..
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Haller Cross - Miecze * 4-X-1918 * Blue Army in France - WWI Poland - VERY RARE
$1100.00