Here's mine, made by famous Wiktor Gontarczyk
Here's mine, made by famous Wiktor Gontarczyk
She's a beauty Classic pre-WW2 star. Thanks Simon.
T.
All thoughts and opinions expressed are those of my own and should not be mistaken for medical and/or legal advice.
"Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday." - John Wayne
Hi Dzianis,
If I understand your question correctly, yes the Gontarczyk made stars of the of the Second Republic era are very similar from an outward appearance to the ones produced post WW2. This is because the Gontarczyk dies supposedly survived the war years and were utilized to produce stars in the 1940’s. Once again though, we are hindered by very minimal available information.
The major differences are in the fastening with the pre-war stars utilizing the hinged vertical pin that was changed to a threaded post in the early post war years. The overall quality deteriorated as well with poorer enamelwork and finishing.
Posted below is a post war star attributed to Gontarczyk. Compare to jaxmon's posted earlier. Note how the center disc is now held by means of crude wire prongs, in contrast to the neat pre-war construction. Also it is no longer in gold gilt, but plain silver finish.
Regards,
Tony
All thoughts and opinions expressed are those of my own and should not be mistaken for medical and/or legal advice.
"Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday." - John Wayne
Gwiazda Orderu została wybita w srebrze wysokiej próby z przedwojennych matryc. Dwuczęściowy medalion został również wykonany z przedwojennej matrycy, lecz kolor emalii i sposób jej wykończenia wskazują na robotę powojenną. Medalion montowany jest za pomocą trzech zagiętych drutów miedzianych. Na rewersie śruba grubości 4, 5 mm, charakterystyczna dla wczesnych wyrobów powojennych W.Gontarczyka. Nakrętka niesygnowana, wykonana ręcznie. Być może jest to jeden z pierwszych egzemplarzy gwiazdy do Polonii, wykonanych w wyżej wymienionym zakładzie.
This is a description of the post-war star, to which period we assign my star?
Dzianis...
Yes, that’s the description of the star pictured in my prior post. For the benefit of non-Polish speaking viewers here's a quick translation:
Star of the Order stamped from high purity silver from pre-war dies. Two part medallion also made from pre-war dies, but enamel colour and finishing method displays post war period quality. The medallion is mounted using three brass wires bent over. The threaded post on the reverse has a diameter of 4.5mm, characteristic of early post war Gontarczyk products. Spinner unmarked, hand made. It is possible that this is one of the earliest issued (post war) stars in Poland . . .
I would definitely say it is post war, and a later production star, such as the one pictured below with the smooth reverse, also attributed to Gontarczyk. This one is described as being “from the end of the 1940’s”. I am not at all knowledgeable on post war decoration production so am hopeful that someone will be able to step in and provide more information for you.
Regards,
Tony
All thoughts and opinions expressed are those of my own and should not be mistaken for medical and/or legal advice.
"Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday." - John Wayne
Ok, thank you, Tony. Wait for other opinions and options.
Dzianis...
Reverse view of three pre-WW2 stars showing variations in details. The one on the left is silver plated brass, center silver hallmarked, and right has no markings. All three are essentially identical from the obverse view.
Regards,
Tony
All thoughts and opinions expressed are those of my own and should not be mistaken for medical and/or legal advice.
"Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday." - John Wayne
Some images of a pre-WW2 1st Class 'Grand Cross' - 68mm across.
All thoughts and opinions expressed are those of my own and should not be mistaken for medical and/or legal advice.
"Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday." - John Wayne
WOW! These are incredibly beautiful awards especially the prewar The Order of Poland Restored (Polonia Restituta) by Wiktor Gontarczyk. But the postwar ones from the '40s aren't too 'shaby' either.
And that prewar 1st Class Grand Cross - is that gold or gold plate? Stunning!
What happened to the Polish engravers? Did Wiktor Gontarczyk survive the war?
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