I wonder what authorative author would state that this order dates from long before the crusades to the best of my knowledge the first proof of it's existence dated from after the fall of Constantinople. It was an obvious fantasy. Nevertheless since that date and the subsequent sale of the grand magistral dignity to a gullible Italian Prince the order has flourished. As a mater of fact there are several claiments to the grand magistral dignity and the "ownership" of the Order.sale
I have recently found some of the US Insignia incorrectly dated and not based on the hallmarks on the back of the insignia. String in the Korean War era the US started using assigned hallmarks. 3 digit numbers were issued during Korea by the US Marine Corp to ID manufacuers. Also during the Korea War ear the mark "GI" appeared on a number of item. But in 1953-54 everything changed when the US started to require a number followed by a single or two digit number. This ID the time frame and the manufactuer. This changed in 1964-65 when the system still in use today came into being where the system changed to a Letter followed by a 2 digit number.
My gt-gt-grandfather fought in the 1830 Uprising against the Russians and was awarded the Militari Virtuti. I have inherited this medal, which was the 4th class (Gold) awarded to officers. He was a surgeon and major. Like so many of the officer class he emigrated after the defeat and the medal was awarded in France by General Rybinski. It was made by the Parisian firm Kretly. A portrait of my ancestor shows him wearing it. Professor Wesolowski in USA has the details of the award (date, Regiment etc). I am proud of my Polish ancestor.
