WWII Polish Guard Battalion hand-embroidered bullion cap badge
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
WWII
This Polish Ministry of Military Affairs Guard Battalion cap badge, known as an "orzełek," dates to the World War II era. It was worn by soldiers of the guard battalion tasked with protecting the high command of the Polish government-in-exile in London.
The insignia is constructed on a black wool felt backing cut into a diamond shape. The central motif is a Polish crowned eagle, meticulously hand-embroidered using gold and silver-toned metallic bullion wire. The intricate work demonstrates the fine military artistry of the period, serving as a distinct piece for collectors of WWII Allied and Polish militaria. The badge measures 68mm by 36mm and displays age-related patina, reflecting its historical significance as a symbol of the Polish armed forces during the conflict.
The careful stitching and material quality distinguish it from standard-issue mass-produced items, indicating its use by elite personnel assigned to high-level security duties within the Polish structures in Great Britain.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- black wool felt, metallic bullion wire
- Dimensions
- 68 x 36 mm
Design
- Obverse
- Polish crowned eagle
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.