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The Polish Cross of Valor is recognized as one of Poland's most important military decorations, bestowed upon soldiers for their acts of bravery in battle. This award, created during the tumultuous years of the Polish-Soviet War, honored the brave actions of soldiers during this critical period in Polish history. One version of the Cross of Valor, numbered 2542, was produced by the workshop of Albin Różycki in Warsaw, notable for its craftsmanship and unique design elements WW2 Polish Eagle Cap Badge wz.39 – Egypt (?) – Sarmatia Antiques This version of the Cross of Valor is made of bronze, and it features a three-part ribbon produced by the famous Herse Fashion House in Warsaw. According to Grzegorz Krogulec's book 'Krzyż Walecznych', this version is identified as Version 1, distinguished by the lack of a date on the front of the cross, which was a feature of subsequent versions. We’ll take a closer look at the creation, design, and legacy of this important piece of Polish military history. The Origins of the Polish Cross of Valor The Cross of Valor was first instituted in 1920 by the Polish government, during a time when Poland was fighting to secure its independence against Soviet forces. The Polish-Soviet War was a defining conflict for Poland’s newly established state, and acts of valor by Polish troops played a significant role in defending the country’s sovereignty. The Cross of Valor was created to honor those who demonstrated extraordinary bravery in battle, and it remains one of the most significant military honors in Poland’s history. The bronze version created by Albin Różycki’s workshop in Warsaw is one of the original versions of the medal, and it showcases the early design features that distinguish it from later versions. Albin Różycki was a well-known craftsman in Warsaw, and his workshop produced many of the earliest Crosses of Valor during the Polish-Soviet War. This version of the cross was cast in bronze, reflecting both durability and tradition, with a traditional design that emphasized both elegance and significance. The Design of the Polish Cross of Valor The design of the Cross of Valor carries significant symbolic weight, and the early version produced by Albin Różycki is especially noteworthy. The central medallion, encased by a wreath, gives the medal a stately and dignified look, with the lack of a date on the front marking it as one of the earliest versions. The reverse side of the cross typically bears the inscription 'Na Polu Chwały', meaning 'On the Field of Glory', a phrase that captures the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who earned this honor The ribbon attached to this version of the Cross of Valor is another key element. The ribbon was produced by the Herse Fashion House in Warsaw, a well-known establishment renowned for its craftsmanship and quality, featuring a three-part design that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the medal. The involvement of the Herse Fashion House shows how the design of this medal was not only functional but also artistic and refined. The Importance of Version 1 of the Cross of Valor This version of the Cross of Valor is described as Version 1 in Grzegorz Krogulec’s book 'Krzyż Walecznych', marking it as one of the earliest and most collectible versions of the award. One of the defining characteristics of this version is the absence of a date on the front of the cross, with later versions including the date of the award, a detail absent in this early version. This omission highlights the timeless nature of the honor, focusing on the valor of the recipient rather than the time period, and it remains one of the rarest versions of the Cross of Valor today. Version 1 of the Cross of Valor, produced during the Polish-Soviet War, represents a piece of history that connects directly to the struggle for Poland’s independence. The soldiers who received this version of the medal were among the first to be recognized for their acts of valor during the war, which makes this version a powerful symbol of both individual heroism and national struggle. Final Thoughts on the Polish Cross of Valor The legacy of the Polish Cross of Valor endures as a testament to the bravery and dedication of Polish soldiers. This early version, produced by Albin Różycki in Warsaw, is a unique and important part of the Cross of Valor’s history. With its bronze design, distinctive three-part ribbon by the Herse Fashion House, and lack of a date on the front, it serves as a lasting tribute to the courage of those who defended Poland during the war. This version is now a valued piece for both collectors and historians, reflecting its historical significance.