pre-WW2 Knight’s Cross of the Order of Virtuti Militari 3rd Class- No. 57

Krupski & Matulewicz, Warsaw, Gilt and enameled bronze, 44 x 44.5mm, circa 1921.

Knight’s Cross of the Order of Virtuti Militari (3rd Class). A government-issued piece, numbered on the reverse. Unawarded, from the reserves of the Order’s Chapter, produced before 1939. Beautiful condition with minimal signs of use as shown in the photos. The cross was made in 1923 as one of 150 pieces ordered by the Ministry of Military Affairs.

The award is in the shape of a cross, with a white enameled crowned eagle with outstretched wings in the center. The arms are covered in black enamel, with the gold inscription “Virtuti Militari.” The reverse has plain arms, and the central medallion is surrounded by a laurel leaf crown, with the inscription “Honor i Ojczyzna 1792” in the center.

Four-part construction, with separate medallions on the obverse and reverse. Original government ribbon made by Huguenin Le Locle in Switzerland. Condition is near perfect. Dimensions: 44 mm x 44.5 mm.