pre-WW2 Rare Polish Cross of Merit of Central Lithuania – French production

A rare Polish Cross of Merit of Central Lithuanian, established on 25th February 1922. This decoration was awarded for deeds of bravery and heroism, outstanding operational and organizational deeds of soldiers fighting with the Lithuanian army in the Wilno Region in the period from 9th October to 19th November  1920. Only a total of 1439 were awarded. 

 A private purchase cross, higher quality French production with original french production ribbon. Fantastic condition. This cross belonged to Colonel Henryk Spaltenstein.

Colonel Henryk Spaltenstein. (born 13 December 1896, died 1973). Colonel of Artillery of the Polish Army. 

 Born on December 13, 1896. In 1913, he graduated from the 4th grade at the C. K. Department of the Gymnasium in Stryj. After Poland regained independence, he was admitted to the Polish Army. He was promoted to the rank of infantry lieutenant with seniority on June 1, 1919. In 1923 and 1924 he was an officer of the 80th infantry regiment (Słonim garrison), including in 1923 he was assigned to the 1st Staff Division in the Command of Corps District No. III in Grodno. He was transferred to the corps of artillery officers and verified as an artillery lieutenant with seniority on June 1, 1919. In 1928 he was an officer of the 29th field artillery regiment in Grodno. On January 27, 1930, he was promoted to the rank of captain with seniority on January 1, 1930 and 3rd place in the corps of artillery officers. In 1932 he was an officer of the 5th Infantry Division in Lwów. In 1939, as a major, he served in the 19th Light Artillery Regiment in Nowa Wilejka as the commander of the 4th squadron. He fought in this position in the September campaign.

After getting to France, he became an officer of the Polish Army in France. In 1940 he was the commander of the 3rd Division of the 1st Wilno Light Artillery Regiment. Later he became an officer of the Polish Armed Forces.

After the war, he remained in exile. In 1960 he was promoted to the rank of artillery colonel. He was a member of the Council of the Republic of Poland (in Exile) of the third term (from September 9, 1963 to July 20, 1968, on behalf of the Union of Eastern Territories), and of the fourth term (from October 8, 1969 to November 7, 1970, on behalf of the Union of Polish Socialists). He died in 1973.

The Cross of Merit of Central Lithuania 43 x 43 mm, made of bronze. On the obverse, on the arms of the cross, there is the inscription Wilno 9.X – 19.XI – 1920, in the center of the cross there is a crowned eagle holding a shield with the Lithuanian coat of arms in its claws. There is a laurel wreath between the arms of the cross. On the reverse, on the horizontal arms of the cross, there is an inscription Litwa Środkowa – “Central Lithuania” and on the vertical swords, a round shield in the center.