Poland – WWII Cross of Valor & Cap Eagle Grouping (PSZnZ – Polish Armed Forces in the West)
A rare and authentic set from the Polish Armed Forces in the West (Polskie Siły Zbrojne na Zachodzie), consisting of:
1x Cross of Valor (Krzyż Walecznych)
1x Cap eagle badge (Orzełek) – made by G.J. Garret, Toronto – Canada
Item Details:
🔹 Cross of Valor (Krzyż Walecznych):
Obverse inscription: “NA POLU CHWAŁY 1920”
Reverse inscription: “WALE CZNYM” with a sword and laurel wreath motif
Manufactured in England between 1940–1944 for Polish soldiers in exile
Maker: Unknown, but classified in Mariusz Pęcio’s catalog, “Katalog Zbioru Falerystycznego – Krzyż Walecznych,” 2nd edition, Category 19 / 19a
Comes with original WWII-era ribbon, excellent patina and condition
🔹 Cap Eagle Badge (Orzełek):
Rare production by G.J. Garret, Toronto – Canada, a known but very scarce manufacturer
Worn by Polish troops serving in the West, particularly those stationed or trained in Canada
Beautifully detailed crowned eagle with open wings and Amazon shield
Note: Reverse lugs (attachments) are broken – common in worn field pieces; visible in photos
Historical Significance:
Both items are directly connected to the Polish Armed Forces formed in exile during WWII, composed of soldiers who escaped Nazi and Soviet occupation. These forces fought under British command in campaigns such as North Africa, Italy (Monte Cassino), and Western Europe.
Condition:
Medal: Excellent original condition, no repairs, with authentic ribbon
Cap badge: Strong detail, aged patina; broken lugs on reverse (see close-up photos)
This grouping represents a genuine piece of WWII Polish military history, particularly appealing to collectors of:
Polish Exile Forces
WWII Allied militaria
Rare production badges (Canada-based manufacturers)
Authentic and increasingly scarce, especially with detailed provenance and attribution.
Please refer to the detailed photos for condition.