Original interwar Polish medal and document set awarded to one individual: Józef Smółka, a confirmed veteran of the Silesian Uprisings. This rare historical grouping includes two military decorations and two named award documents.
Included in the set:
Silesian Uprisings Cross
(Krzyż na Śląskiej Wstędze Waleczności i Zasługi)
Original cross with authentic interwar ribbon
Obverse dates: 17.VIII.20 / 3.V.21 / 6.VII.21
Refer to key dates of the 2nd and 3rd Silesian Uprisings
Center: Polish crowned eagle over stylized rays
Lower arm inscription: Za Pow. Śląskie (For the Silesian Uprisings)
Reverse: Sword encircled by a laurel wreath, symbolizing valor and victory
Approx. dimensions: 47.36 × 43.77 mm
This decoration was awarded to participants of the Silesian Uprisings (1919–1921), who fought for the reintegration of Upper Silesia into the reborn Polish state. The cross was introduced in 1921 and is one of the earliest Polish military decorations of the interwar period. Original pieces with ribbon and provenance are increasingly rare.
Upper Silesian Star
(Gwiazda Górnośląska)
Brass and enamel, featuring the Polish crowned eagle
Approx. dimensions: 55.98 × 56.97 mm
Scarce decoration awarded to active participants in the Silesian Uprisings
Two Original Award Documents (Legitymacje)
Both documents named to Józef Smółka
One issued by the Górnośląska Komisja Odznaczeń (for the Silesian Cross)
One from the Kapituła Gwiazdy Górnośląskiej (for the Upper Silesian Star)
These documents are original, matching, and extremely rare to find together
Condition:
Silesian Cross: Good vintage condition with age patina; original ribbon shows slight soiling and wear
Upper Silesian Star:
Very good condition considering its age
Enamel largely intact, minor edge chips
Brass surface shows light oxidation and historical wear
Both reverse mounting hooks present and undamaged
Documents:
Heavily worn, torn at folds with burnt/missing central edges
Fragile but mostly legible
Stamps and signatures are still visible
This is a rare and authentic set awarded to a Polish insurgent who participated in the Silesian Uprisings (1919–1921) – a key chapter in Poland’s struggle to regain independence and secure Upper Silesia. Both decorations are original and officially documented. The presence of two matching named documents adds substantial historical and collector value.
Outstanding and scarce Polish interwar medal group featuring the Silesian Uprisings Cross, the Upper Silesian Star, and two matching award documents named to Józef Smółka. An exceptional piece of Polish military and regional history, ideal for serious collectors of Polish militaria or independence-era decorations.