Badge of the Association of Former Polish Army Volunteers with a miniature of a different number.
It was established, in 1934 in Warsaw at the first congress of this organization.
It was awarded to former soldiers who, as volunteers, joined the ranks of the Polish army and fought for the independence and borders of the Polish state. It was probably started to be awarded in 1936, when the 2nd congress of former volunteers was organized in Cracow.
The badge was approved by the Minister of Military Affairs on June 7, 1937. The total number of its awards is not known.
Large badge with No. 811 (stamped with a numerator), two-piece, gilded tombac, enamel.
Made by Józef Chyliński - Warsaw.
Pre-war cap consistent with the maker of the badge.
Dimensions 40 x 40 mm
On the reverse, in addition to the number of the badge, there is an inscription ODZNAKA ZZĄZKU / b[yłych]. VOLUNTEERS / ARMY / POLISH ARMY.
Badge with beautiful patina, good plus condition - visible cracks in enamel.
Miniature of this badge with No. 1937 (stamped with numerator), two-piece, gilt tombac, enamel.
Made by Józef Chyliński - Warsaw.
Pre-war cap consistent with the maker of the badge.
Dimensions 18 x 18 mm
On the reverse, in addition to the badge award number, is an abbreviation of the inscription shown above: Z. b. / O. / A P. Badge with patina, sufficient state of preservation - visible deterioration and repair of enamel. The eagle was retrofitted, twisted during repair.
The Union of Former Polish Army Volunteers was a veterans' organization that was organized in 1933. It brought together former Polish army volunteers who fought for Poland's independence and borders in 1914-1921. In February 1939, the Union had 30,123 members affiliated in the Warsaw, Lublin, Cracow and Lviv districts. Its purpose was to awaken the patriotic spirit, spread military knowledge, take care of liaison with the active army, organize courses in anti-gas and anti-aircraft defense, promote physical culture, organize cultural and educational actions, and self-help among former volunteers.
Literature: Z. Kielb, Polish and foreign marks of honor of soldiers of the 2nd Kaniowski Sapper Regiment, Pulawy 2021
