Poland – Silver Cross of Merit (Srebrny Krzyż Zasługi), Second Polish Republic – Gontarczyk Maker
The Silver Cross of Merit (Srebrny Krzyż Zasługi) was established on June 23, 1923, by the government of the Second Polish Republic. It was one of the highest civilian decorations of interwar Poland, awarded to both civilians and military personnel for outstanding service to the state and society.
This version, produced by the Gontarczyk workshop, comes from the interwar period (1923–1939) and is a genuine piece of Polish history. These early examples are highly collectible and becoming increasingly rare on the market.
Medal Design:
Cross shape: A silver Maltese cross with flared arms, overlaid with a burst of silver rays between each arm.
Enamel: Red translucent enamel with a decorative textured background underneath (guilloché pattern).
Center medallion: Features the initials "RP" (for Rzeczpospolita Polska – Republic of Poland) on a white enameled background surrounded by a silver laurel wreath border.
Ribbon: Original period ribbon – dark pink with light blue side stripes, showing authentic age wear and staining.
Suspension: Ring-type mount, attached via a laurel wreath.
Dimensions of cross: approx. 44.93 mm x 39.81 mm.
Summary:
Decoration: Silver Cross of Merit – Srebrny Krzyż Zasługi
Period: Second Polish Republic (1923–1939)
Maker: Gontarczyk (Warsaw, Poland)
Material: Silvered metal with red translucent enamel
Condition: Good – minor age wear, enamel fully intact. Ribbon shows some staining and discoloration (visible in photos).
Originality: 100% authentic, not a reproduction.
Dimensions: 44.93 x 39.81 mm