Władysław Gruberski (1873–1933), Second Polish Republic Unique Bronze Plaquette – Lieutenant Stanisław Bałanda, Ministry of Military Affairs, 1918/1919

The style, form, and execution strongly suggest the authorship of Władysław Gruberski (1873–1933), a distinguished Polish sculptor and medallist, considered one of the leading artists at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Born in Płock, Gruberski studied in Warsaw, Kraków, Vienna, Munich, Rome, and Paris, where he was a pupil of Auguste Rodin. His artistic legacy includes monumental public sculptures, commemorative medallions, and military insignia—most notably the renowned GAPA, the emblem of Polish military aviation. He also created portraits of prominent figures such as Marshal Józef Piłsudski and President Ignacy Mościcki. In 1928, his works were featured in the sculpture competition at the Summer Olympic Games in Amsterdam.

This piece is executed in a realistic style characteristic of Gruberski’s work. The relief presents a profile portrait of the officer in a Model 1917 uniform, with finely rendered details and a striking facial likeness. Along the lower edge of the plaquette, the inscription reads:
“POR. ST. BAŁANDA SZEF WYD. PERS. M.S. WOJSK”
(“Lt. St. Bałanda, Head of the Personnel Department, Ministry of Military Affairs”), indicating that the work was likely created to honor his distinguished service during the early years of Poland’s regained independence.

Plaquettes of this size and nature (47.4 × 32.4 cm) were typically produced as official commemorative tributes to distinguished military personnel. They were often displayed in government or military institutions or presented as prestigious honorary gifts.

Condition: Good. A historical repair is visible in the upper left corner—likely the result of a projectile impact—professionally restored.

An outstanding example of commemorative sculpture with significant historical, artistic, and collector’s value.

Biographical Note: Stanisław Franciszek Antoni Bałanda (1885–1948)
Born on June 13, 1885, in Jeleśnia near Żywiec, son of Bronisław and Klementyna née Waligóra.
He graduated from a secondary school in Kraków and later from the Kraków Academy of Commerce. He also completed legal studies at the Jagiellonian University.

Bałanda joined the Riflemen’s Association in 1911. On August 5, 1914, he enlisted in Józef Piłsudski’s rifle units, later serving in the Polish Legions. Promoted to artillery warrant officer on December 24, 1914, and to second lieutenant on September 17, 1915, he served as commander of an artillery column in the Ammunition Park (PA/1).

In January 1917, he attended a course at the Artillery Rifle School in Rembertów. After the Oath Crisis in July 1917, he served in the Polish Auxiliary Corps as the First Officer of the howitzer battalion. Following the Battle of Rarańcza (February 15–16, 1918), he was interned in Szeklence and later tried during the Legionnaires’ Trial in Máramarossziget (June 8 – October 2, 1918).

After the trial was dismissed, he joined the Polska Siła Zbrojna (Polish Armed Force) and, on October 31, 1918, took over the personnel section of the command. On November 8, 1918, he was promoted to lieutenant, with seniority dated from October 12. He took part in the disarmament of German troops and was officially accepted into the Polish Army by decree of the Regency Council on October 31, 1918.

By further decree on December 4, 1919, he was promoted to captain of artillery, effective December 1. He served in the Ministry of Military Affairs, overseeing the personnel section in the minister’s cabinet. After the war, he was verified as a major (with seniority from June 1, 1919) and worked in the Army Administration Office. On August 15, 1924, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and transferred to the Armament Service. He served in the Armament Technology Inspectorate (1928) and in the Military Armament Supply Facility in Warsaw (1932). On June 30, 1933, he retired from active service.

Bałanda lived in Warsaw, worked in Air and Gas Defense, and served as Vice-President of the Capital District of the Union of Polish Legionnaires (ZLP). After the 1939 campaign, he escaped to the West. In July 1940, he was assigned to the Officer Assembly Camp in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, Scotland.

After the war, he remained in exile and died on January 1, 1948, in London. He is buried at Streatham Park Cemetery.
Married to Natalia Wanda née Prunmajer.

Decorations:

• Cross of Independence 
• Officer’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta 
• Cross of Valor (twice) 
• Gold Cross of Merit 
• Romanian Order of the Star (4th Class) 
• Austrian Gold Medal of Merit with Ribbon (November 11, 1916)

Biography Source: 

https://zolnierze-niepodleglosci.pl/%C5%BCo%C5%82nierz/181896/