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**Antoni Zawadzki** · 09-20-2005, 06:11 PM

Originally posted by Para82nd

What do you guys think of them and the price?

I would also like to know what these are exacly.

Hello para82nd

The decorations are:

1. Polonia Restituta

2. Medal for Participation in the Battle for Berlin

Both are Polish People's Republic communist issues.

What do I really think of them?... Well, I do not collect communist militaria for philosophical reasons. The idea of a Polonia Restituta (Poland Restored) issued by the Soviet invaders/occupiers is blatant mockery of the worst kind. The ideals that this decoration stood for when originally introduced by the Second Republic of Poland in 1921 are parodied by the 1944 issue. The ideals that this decoration stood for when originally introduced by the Second Republic of Poland in 1921 are parodied by the 1944 issue.

Poland was hardly “restored” in 1944 – the date on the reverse. This was the year that Red Army (a supposed ally of Poland) sat idle on the shores of the Vistula River watching while the Germans proceeded to ruthlessly crush the Warsaw Uprising resulting in the death of an estimated 250,000 Poles – mostly civilian. At the same time and carrying on well after VE day, Stalin and his henchmen were hunting down and imprisoning, deporting and murdering any and all patriotic freedom loving Poles whom he felt posed a threat to his planned take over of the nation.

I could write a lot more on this topic, but I’ll get off my soap box and back to your questions…

These are common decorations. The Polonia Restituta, along with other national and military decorations, was issued by the thousands as a Soviet ploy to purchase the favour of the population. It is always nice to have some of the accessories: mini-medal, award booklet, presentation boxes, etc. As such, both prices you’ve been quoted are at about fair market value.

Hope that helps.

Tony

**Para82nd** · 09-20-2005, 06:14 PM

Wow, thanks for the information. I thought they where polish exile, british made maybe? Oh well....

**Antoni Zawadzki** · 09-20-2005, 09:51 PM

Originally posted by Para82nd

Wow, thanks for the information. I thought they where polish exile, british made maybe? Oh well....

No problem. That explains why you posted your question in the British and Commonwealth Militaria section !

The Polish exile British issue Polonia Restituta (manufactured by Spink & Son Ltd., London) is a very desirable decoration. The Spink versions were beautifully crafted by, as befits an order of this stature. They differ is several respects from pre-war and communist issues, most notably in the detail of the crowned white eagle. It would be worthwhile to save your shekels and put them toward a genuine example of one of these, or even a pre-war one, although they are not always easy to find.

Cheers,
Tony

**Dave Danner** · 09-21-2005, 10:04 AM

To me, those prices seem rather high, although I haven't kept track of the trends.

By the way, here is an example of a Spink-made Polonia Restituta: http://home.att.net/~ordersandmedals...II.Class_1.jpg
http://home.att.net/~ordersandmedals...II.Class_2.jpg

And here is a pre-World War Two example:
http://home.att.net/~ordersandmedals...lRes_Cdr_1.jpg
http://home.att.net/~ordersandmedals...lRes_Cdr_2.jpg

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