Полезная заметка
http://www.skelnik.pl/virtuti-militari-cross-by-picchiani-and-barlacchi/
Увековечим её у нас
Origins of the Virtuti Militari cross reach to the late XVIII century. In 1972 Polish king Stanisaw August establish new order, the highest decoration for military virtues, as it was said directly by the order name. First decorations were made in the form of oval medal on a ribbon, worn under the neck. Later decoration was turned into the form of cross. After the collapse of first Polish Republic the order was renewed in times of Grand Duchy of Warsaw, November Uprising and in 1921 as a highest military decoration of second Polish Republic. Since this time decoration has a form of a maltan cross with eagle in the center medallion and VIRTUTI MILITARI devise on the arms. It is divided in to five classes that differ in their look and shape. Two highest classes have separate stars worn on a left part of the uniform.
Since 1921 crosses of different classes were produced by number of manufacturers in Poland and some other foreign countries. Most common foreign productions came from France. Traditionally France was the country were fled many Polish officers oppressed by Russian occupant for their participation in Napoleon’s campaigns and November Uprising in years 1830-1831. Many of them ordered beautiful Virtuti Military crosses in French jewelry manufactures. Reputation gained in XIX century lasted and was confirmed by new producers. Later, during World War II number of decorations were produced in United Kingdom. They were made on demand of Polish government on exile and for private demands. Most popular were crosses made by Spind and Son.
Still there is very little known about this foreign productions. Till 1989 Poland was cut of from possibilities of free research in western archives due to restrictions put by communistic government. Therefore knowledge about foreign productions of Virtuti Militari crosses is based rather on empirical observations, than on documents. History is being brought from mouth to mouth and not always represents the highest level of accuracy. One of those inaccurate stories is about so called ‘Italian Virtuti Militari’.
It is not so common knowledge, but still easy to obtain that those crosses were produced by Picchiani and Barlacchi in Florence. This was a reputable company established in 1896 by Gastone Picchiani. In 1915 Bruno Barlacchi joined the company and it’s working until this day in the same town. During World War II they produced number of badges for II Corp of Polish Army in Italy. This led some collectors to conclusion that Virtuti Militari of this production had to be made on demand of Polish officials some time at the end of the war.
http://www.skelnik.pl/virtuti-militari-cross-by-picchiani-and-barlacchi/
Увековечим её у нас
Origins of the Virtuti Militari cross reach to the late XVIII century. In 1972 Polish king Stanisaw August establish new order, the highest decoration for military virtues, as it was said directly by the order name. First decorations were made in the form of oval medal on a ribbon, worn under the neck. Later decoration was turned into the form of cross. After the collapse of first Polish Republic the order was renewed in times of Grand Duchy of Warsaw, November Uprising and in 1921 as a highest military decoration of second Polish Republic. Since this time decoration has a form of a maltan cross with eagle in the center medallion and VIRTUTI MILITARI devise on the arms. It is divided in to five classes that differ in their look and shape. Two highest classes have separate stars worn on a left part of the uniform.
Since 1921 crosses of different classes were produced by number of manufacturers in Poland and some other foreign countries. Most common foreign productions came from France. Traditionally France was the country were fled many Polish officers oppressed by Russian occupant for their participation in Napoleon’s campaigns and November Uprising in years 1830-1831. Many of them ordered beautiful Virtuti Military crosses in French jewelry manufactures. Reputation gained in XIX century lasted and was confirmed by new producers. Later, during World War II number of decorations were produced in United Kingdom. They were made on demand of Polish government on exile and for private demands. Most popular were crosses made by Spind and Son.
Still there is very little known about this foreign productions. Till 1989 Poland was cut of from possibilities of free research in western archives due to restrictions put by communistic government. Therefore knowledge about foreign productions of Virtuti Militari crosses is based rather on empirical observations, than on documents. History is being brought from mouth to mouth and not always represents the highest level of accuracy. One of those inaccurate stories is about so called ‘Italian Virtuti Militari’.
It is not so common knowledge, but still easy to obtain that those crosses were produced by Picchiani and Barlacchi in Florence. This was a reputable company established in 1896 by Gastone Picchiani. In 1915 Bruno Barlacchi joined the company and it’s working until this day in the same town. During World War II they produced number of badges for II Corp of Polish Army in Italy. This led some collectors to conclusion that Virtuti Militari of this production had to be made on demand of Polish officials some time at the end of the war.
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