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Virtuti Militari 5th Class

Article about: Any ideas as to the manufacturer of this medal? It is a private purchase, so not an official mint version, apparently. Sorry about the pictures, all I have atm. TIA

  1. #1

    Default Virtuti Militari 5th Class

    Any ideas as to the manufacturer of this medal?

    It is a private purchase, so not an official mint version, apparently.

    Sorry about the pictures, all I have atm.

    Virtuti Militari 5th Class

    TIA
    Rise & ReverberateGib mir wieder etwas Schönes

  2. #2

    Default Re: Virtuti Militari 5th Class

    Hi Stefan,

    In my opinion a post WW2 re-strike from surviving Jan Knedler dies. Issued privately within Poland into the 1960’s to veterans as replacement crosses. Very little is known for certain. Typical characteristics are silver plated tombac, ‘fold over’ tang ribbon ring suspender, inferior quality of finishing, the center disc gold plating often strays onto the cross arms, etc. Very often confused for pre-war crosses, or deliberately stated to be pre-war vintage to mislead collectors.

    Regards,
    Tony
    Click to enlarge the picture Click to enlarge the picture Virtuti Militari 5th Class   Virtuti Militari 5th Class  

    Virtuti Militari 5th Class  
    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

  3. #3

    Default Re: Virtuti Militari 5th Class

    Hi Tony, thanks for your reply, below is the posted description

    Silver gilt and enamels. Jewelers made for private purchase, not a government official issue. 40mm by 40mm. Black enamels on front side of the cross as well as green enamels around center disks, a scarce example. Made in 1930s from original dies for private purchase as a replacement for daily wearing as was required by regulations. This example is the same as the official version except that it does not have a serial number. Be aware that today numbers are being engraved or stamped on these replicas and sold as originals.

    It's going for about £80.00, far price?

    I understand it's not an original, they're way out of my price range, so was looking for a reasonable substitute.
    Rise & ReverberateGib mir wieder etwas Schönes

  4. #4

    Default Re: Virtuti Militari 5th Class

    £80 is about market value for these post WW2 made crosses. Their pre-war lineage does offer them some collectability.

    As far as the seller’s description,, again, this cross was not made prior to WW2. The seller is either oblivious to this fact, or deliberately trying to mislead to speed up the sale.

    Quote by stefanr View Post
    . . . understand it's not an original, they're way out of my price range, so was looking for a reasonable substitute.
    Yes, it would serve as a ‘reasonable substitute’. But don’t give up on the hope of ownership of a real pre-war made cross! As any serious collector knows, it takes a patience and discipline to build a nice collection that will give real satisfaction. And it takes the same patience and discipline to save up the money for each individual piece for that collection. Settling for a facsimile of the real thing will never really satisfy. Slowly put your money aside, a little at a time, with the specific objective of getting that real pre-war Virtuti Militari. You will be glad you did.

    Cheers,
    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

  5. #5

    Default Re: Virtuti Militari 5th Class

    Thanks again Tony, your knowledge is always appreciated.

    The seller should be quite aware of what he is selling as he seems to specialise in Polish militaria on ebay, based in Ft Lauderdale, US.

    Another from the same seller HERE $20.000

    Better pictures of the original one posted.

    Virtuti Militari 5th ClassVirtuti Militari 5th Class
    Rise & ReverberateGib mir wieder etwas Schönes

  6. #6

    Default Re: Virtuti Militari 5th Class

    Quote by stefanr View Post
    . . . The seller should be quite aware of what he is selling as he seems to specialise in Polish militaria on ebay, . . .
    I agree. Therefore this should act as a warning to any prospective customers to exercise caution before spending hard earned cash.

    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

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