Miniature French War Cross (Croix de Guerre) World War I 1914-1918, Original, Bronze

The presented miniature is an original miniature French War Cross (Croix de Guerre), dated to the period of World War I (1914–1918). The decoration has the shape of a Maltese cross with expanding arms and a round shield in the middle. Between the arms of the cross are crossed swords, pointing upwards.
The badge is made of bronze. The surface is patinated, with visible traces of natural wear and historical dents, confirming the authenticity of the item. The central medallion on the obverse features the bust of Marianne (the symbol of the French Republic) wearing a Phrygian cap, surrounded by the inscription "RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" (French Republic). The reverse of the medallion is smooth. The miniature features a fastening system with a threaded post and a decorative brass nut with a leaf motif, typical of the era (often found in Polish phaleristics of the II RP period as well).
The War Cross was established in France in 1915 to honor soldiers for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy who were mentioned in official military dispatches. It was one of the most important French military decorations of the Great War. This miniature is a rare and historical artifact, a symbol of the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers who took part in the fighting on the Western Front, including at Verdun and the Somme.