Polish Cross of Merit in bronze, in a case with a miniature

Bronze, enamel. Good collector's condition. On the original tape. The set includes an original case and a miniature of the award. Guarantee of authenticity.

The Cross of Merit was first established by the decree of the President of the Polish Republic (Second Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth) on June 23, 1923. On December 22, 1944, by decree of the Polish Committee of National Liberation "... in order to encourage outstanding merits contributing to the glory and benefit of the People of Poland", the Cross of Merit was established for the second time. The Cross of Merit was awarded: for high production achievements; for fruitful social activity; for high achievements in science and medicine, literature and art, sports. The Cross of Merit was awarded to mothers with many children and donors. In each class, the award could be made up to four times. Since 1960, a change has been made to the order of awarding the Cross of Merit. So the Gold and Silver Cross of Merit could be awarded twice, the Bronze Cross of Merit — once. When re-awarding, another badge of distinction and a Diploma were awarded. The Cross of Merit could be awarded to both individual citizens and labor collectives, enterprises, institutions, as well as cities and voivodeships. For services to the Polish People's Republic, the Cross of Merit could be awarded to both Polish and foreign citizens.

The right to award the Cross of Merit until 1952 belonged to the President of the Polish Republic, and since 1952 — to the State Council of the People's Republic of Poland. Foreign citizens were awarded by the President, later by the State Council on the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of Poland. Special rules for awarding the Cross of Merit were established for employees of the metallurgical and mining industries, as well as shipbuilding.

The Cross of Merit of all three classes was awarded to servicemen of the Polish People's Army during the Second World War, who did not take direct part in the fighting, but showed courage and heroism while performing their official duty. The insignia of the Cross of Merit is worn on the left side of the chest in a sequence determined by the Rules for Wearing Orders and Insignia of the People's Republic of Poland.