Order of the White Eagle, Breast Star (1941-1989)

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.POL.0104.102.01.001

Estimated market value:

$1200+ USD

  • Order of the White Eagle, Breast Star (1941-1989) Obverse
  • Order of the White Eagle, Breast Star (1941-1989) Reverse and Reverse Detail

Estimated market value:

$1200+ USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Poland
  • Makers
  • Composition
    Silver/Silver gilt/Enamelled
  • Inscription
    Obv: RP ZA OJCZYNE I NAROD
  • Size
    85x85mm
  • Version Remarks
    This version was made in London and awarded by the Government of the Republic of Poland in exile. Later versions may appear with yellowing enamel due to a change in the manufacturing process.

History


The Order of the White Eagle was established by King Augustus II in 1705. It was abolished following the Third Partitioning of Poland in 1795 and was not awarded again until 1807 when it was revived by the Duchy of Warsaw. It was awarded from 1815-1831 by Tsar Alexander I ruling as King of Poland before it was taken over by the Russian Empire in 1831. It was not awarded again until 1921 following the restoration of Polish independence. From 1941-1992, it was awarded by the Government of the Republic of Poland in exile, and it was officially reinstated as the highest order of the Polish Republic in 1992.

The Order is conferred upon Polish citizens and foreigners in recognition of outstanding contributions to the nation. It may also be awarded posthumously. The President of the Republic is Grand Master.

The Breast Star was introduced along with the Cross in 1709. The first model, awarded from 1709-1764, is embroidered and features an obverse inscription that translates to “For Faith, King and Law.” The version worn by the King has diamonds and semi-precious stones with an inscription that translates to “For Faith, Nation, and Law.” The second model was awarded during the reign of Stanisław August Poniatowski and by the Duchy of Warsaw. It features the same inscription as the first model, but it is entirely metallic. The third model has been awarded since 1921 and features initials that stand for "Rzeczpospolita Polska" (Republic of Poland) in the medallion with an additional inscription that translates to “For Fatherland and the Nation."

Other versions are listed in the Orders of the Polish Lithuanian Commonwealth (1565-1795) and Partitioned Poland (1795-1918), and the Third Polish Republic (1989-). See also the Order of the White Eagle in the Orders of Imperial Russia (1721-1917).

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