Enamel Mini Order of the Cross of Grunwald 2nd Class

Miniature Order of the Cross of Grunwald 2nd Class 1944The obverse shows two swords, relating to an event before the Battle of Grunwald (1410) when the Teutonic Knights sent a blunt sword to the Polish army as an insult. The Poles sent the sword back with a sharp one of their own tied to it, thus showing their acceptance of the challenge. Ther reverse of the decoration shows the letters KG (Krzyza Grunwaldu = Grunwald Cross) and the dates "1410" and "1944".SIZE: 2.6 X 3.8The Battle of Grunwald (or 1st Battle of Tannenberg) took place on 15 July 1410 with the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, led by the Polish king Władysław II Jagiełło, ranged against the Knights of the Teutonic Order, led by the Grand Master Ulrich von Jungingen. It was the decisive engagement in the Polish-Lithuanian-Teutonic War (1409-1411) and the greatest battle of medieval Europe and one of great importance.The Soviets used the symbols of the battle for propaganda purposes and created the Order Krzyża Grunwaldu (The Cross of Grunwald medal) which was a military decoration created in 1943 by the commander of the Soviet proxy force Gwardia Ludowa (confirmed in 1944 by the Krajowa Rada Narodowa) and awarded for heroism in World War II.INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: $8 (REGISTERED AIRMAIL)