Pamiątkowa tarcza Związku Legionistów Polskich, Oddział Podgórze-Płaszów w zbiorach Muzeum Historycznego Miasta Krakowa

Abstract

A MEMORIAL PLATE FROM THE ASSOCIATION OF POLISH LEGIONNAIRES, PODGÓRZE UNIT - PŁASZÓW IN THE COLLECTION OF THE HISTORICAL MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF CRACOW

The Historical Museum of the City of Cracow has an interesting exhibit registered as MHK 2144/III. It is a memorial plate unveiled on 11 May 1930 on the initiative of the Podgórze - Płaszów Unit of the Cracow District of the Polish Legionnaires’ Association, thickly set with nails with engraved names. The target was transferred to the Museum in 1966 from the State Archives in Cracow at a symbolic price of one złoty.
The idea of making such a target was launched to commemorate a company of Podgórze riflemen, who had set out to support the struggle for independence in 1914 at the order of Commander Piłsudski. The date of unveiling the target was by no means accidental. In May 1930 fell the 15th anniversary of a heroic death of thee commander of the company, Captain Kazimierza Herwin - Piątek.
The plate is kidney-shaped; it is made from lime wood, and has a bas-relief carving. It is surmounted with a legionnaires’ cap (maciejówka) on a crimson cushion with golden tassels. Along the sides of the plate runs a raised inscription which reads: „ZW. [IĄZEK] LEGIONISTÓW POLSKICH - PODGÓRZE PŁASZÓW” (Association of Polish Legionnaires - Podgórze Płaszów). The central field in red with a large white eagle with a gold crown and the gold Legions’ Cross on its chest. The eagle is surrounded by densely set nails in the forms of small discs with engraved inscriptions. In total, there are 284 nails with names of Władysław Belina-Prażmowski, Odon Bujwid, Mieczysław Kaplicki, Colonel Bernard Mond, Colonel Walery Sławek, the editorial board of the Ilustrowany Kury er Codzienny and members of the Association of War Invalids.