The Order of the White Eagle of Poland

[Jani Tiainen]

Dear Friends,

Attached pictures of very nice quality Order. I wonder if this is actual awarded piece -or perhaps exile piece. I have never seen ones that Spinks made, but this is very hig quality, three part construction. (No breast star). This came from good source and had been in local collection at least from 1960's.

I would appreciate your help.

Jani

Edited January 22, 2008 by Jani Tiainen

[Jani Tiainen]

more

[Jani Tiainen]

and more

[Jani Tiainen]

and more...

[Jani Tiainen]

few more

[Jani Tiainen]

last one. If anyone can help me I would really appreciate.

And offer a lot of beer in next OMSA

Jani

[Jani Tiainen]

I would appreciate any clue, since there is deal going on and I dont want anybody to lose their money...

Jani

[Lukasz Gaszewski]

Hello Jani,

Even at the first sight the item is made NEITHER from the original pre-WWII dies, NOR is it Spink's manufacturing. Let me point out some differences:

1. ball finials: all original items have very small finials, these are huge;

2. reverse facture: original reverse is plain, polished, yours is factured, with the same pattern as the obverse albeit without the enamel;

3. reverse cipher: the leg of the "R" is separated and it certainly should not be;

4. enamel: as it seems from the photos, it is laid thinly and unevenly, particularly the white one; note the flaw on the eagle's left wing which appeared apprently during the manufacturing process - this would disqualify the badge from being accepted;

5. sash: color shade can be distorted on the photos, but it certainly has narrow darker pinstripes alongside - the original sash does not. I know the sash is not a decisive part, still it is some hint. This kind of sash was used with the Order of Merit of the Peoples' Republic of Poland.

There are some other differences, but these are most apparent. Do you know what metal it is made of? The original items should be made of silver and gilt. Are there any hallmarks? What are the dimensions of the badge?

I am not able to provide you with the photos of the original items at the moment, I will try later. Quite surprisingly your cross is very similar to the one depicted in Arnhard Graf Klenau's Catalog (#6632). To me your order looks like a collector copy, quite many of which were made in Poland in 1960s through 1980s.

I do hope that what I wrote above will not make me added to the list of your enemies - I really did not mean to disappoint you. I will have my beer I hope?

Best regards,

Lukasz

[Jani Tiainen]

You got your beer Lukasz!

Thank you very much my friend!

Jani

[Elmar Lang]

Hi Jani,

I've just seen your post on the Polish White Eagle Order.

I have an identical piece, bought at Panasiuk's shop in Warsaw, in 1985. I think your piece too, was made by this firm.

Kind regards,

Enzo

[922F]

I concur with Enzo--have one with exactly the same characteristics from the same source

[Jani Tiainen]

Thanks for all for your input!

So once again. Buy a medal not the story

(I did not buy though, thanks to you)

Jani