WW2 Polish Underground Patriotic Silver Powder Compact from the Occupation Period

A beautifully decorated and crafted silver powder compact, likely created during the occupation period. Considering the attached decorations on the compact, it can be inferred that it belonged to someone involved in the resistance movement.

The compact was made in the Art Deco style and features numerous riveted decorations visible on both sides, most of which are made of gold. The front of the compact displays ten initials, probably of individuals who gifted the compact to its original owner. Noteworthy are the silver badge with an eagle in a crown placed on a red enamel shield and what appears to be a nickname or code name “Kici” and “Lula” made of gold.

In the center of the compact is a beautifully crafted Polish noble coat of arms, made of silver with red enamel, belonging to the Ostoja family. At the bottom, there is a gold heart engraved with the dates “22.X.40-27.X.42.” Below the heart is an ornament in the form of angel wings, with four additional decorations symmetrically placed beside it: on the left, a red heart in the form of a padlock and a mouse; on the right, a small green frog and another missing decoration, with a visible rivet mark where it once was.

On the reverse side of the compact, there is a well-visible gold rectangular plaque with the letters “E+T-B,” and below it, a small mark in the form of an inverted isosceles triangle with the name “Heniek,” made in the same style as the plaque.

The history of the original owner conveyed through the compact, along with its numerous decorations and meticulous craftsmanship, gives this item a unique character that would enhance and complete any fine collection.

The compact is marked with a Polish assay office hallmark used between 1931-1963, as well as an unclear goldsmith’s mark, possibly JP/JR/JB. The total weight of the compact is 182.3 grams.