pre-WW2 Polish Trumpet Banner – Greater Poland Uprising (?)

A rare trumpet banner, likely dating to around 1918/1919, possibly used by a military or paramilitary unit during the Greater Poland Uprising, or by a veterans’ organization in the years that followed.

The obverse features a White Eagle in a crown, the national symbol of Poland, set against a crimson background. The eagle is depicted in a heraldic stance with outstretched wings, finely detailed talons, beak, and crown.

Eagles of similar design can be found on early banners of the Greater Poland military formations, such as the standard of the Toruń Rifle Regiment, the 2nd Greater Poland Lancer’s Regiment, and the 1st Greater Poland Sapper Battalion, among others.

The edges of the banner are trimmed with a gold fringe, and it is suspended by a decorative twisted cord in white and red, ending in a finely crafted bullion tassel. The reverse is made of plain cream-colored fabric, showing natural age patina and discoloration from use.

This piece is notable for its high quality craftsmanship and very well-preserved condition, standing as an excellent example of Polish military textile tradition from the era of the Second Republic.