Material: Sterling silver
Size: 12 mm W × 20 mm H
Description: This historic miniature insignia was commissioned by a commissioned Polish Navy (Marynarka Wojenna) officer stationed in Great Britain during the Second World War. Measuring a precise 12mm wide by 20mm high, the front design showcases a sharp, stylized presentation of the crowned Polish eagle standing directly over a crescent-shaped Amazon shield with a superimposed fouled maritime anchor. Because Polish uniform regulations did not utilize traditional metal collar dogs, this un-enameled piece was specifically designed for off-duty civilian attire. The flat, unvoided reverse planchet completely lacks hollow die-stamping cavities and features a crisp "SILVER" purity hallmark along the lower anchor fluke, accompanied by a single alignment hole originally designed to anchor a fast-mounting lapel pin or civilian safety loop.
Circa: 1921-1945
Notes:
This incredibly specific miniature is a classic example of a private-purchase "walking out" or leave badge produced under wartime material restrictions. Following the 1939 invasion of Poland, surviving naval personnel operated out of British ports alongside the Royal Navy, where officers frequently wore tailored civilian suits rather than full dress uniforms when attending diplomatic events or evening functions. While commercial sweetheart brooches from this era prioritized bright enameling or gold-gilding, this piece retains a completely utilitarian finish that reflects the austere, functional realities of a military forced into exile.