Polish Pre-War KOP Podlaska Division Badge – Za Męstwo – Lipczyński

Original Polish commemorative badge from the interwar period, issued to honor the military operational units of the Border Protection Corps. The multi-piece obverse displays a central crowned heraldic shield partitioned into three fields, showcasing the Polish White Eagle, the Lithuanian Pahonia, and the Archangel Michael. The shield is superimposed over a vertical cross layout, featuring two crossed sabers resting above a combined laurel and oak leaf wreath. The upper arm of the cross displays the embossed title DYWIZJA PODLASKA, while the bottom section explicitly marks the valor commendation ZA MĘSTWO. The reverse shows a distinct negative mirror relief of the obverse design, fitted with a centrally mounted threaded attachment post. Stamped into the lower surface is the specific award serial number 160. The set includes its original knurled brass backing nut fitted with dual tightening loops, fully incised with the prominent maker mark: S. LIPCZYŃSKI GRAVEUR VARSOVIE MARSZAŁKOWSKA 149. The item is preserved in outstanding historical condition with a rich aged silver-toned patina and flawless threading.

Historical context:
This highly significant badge relates directly to the defensive combat operations of the improvised "Podlaska" Infantry Division (largely mobilized from border regiments of the KOP - Korpus Ochrony Pogranicza) which fought within General Franciszek Kleeberg's Independent Operational Group "Polesie" during the autumn of 1939. The tri-part coat of arms chosen for the device intentionally recalls the historical legacy of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the specific geographic zones defended during the September Campaign. The stamped serial designation 160 confirms a scarce verified issue to a specific soldier or officer recognized for bravery under fire. The renowned Warsaw workshop of Stanisław Lipczyński, based at Marszałkowska Street 149, was widely considered one of the premium artisan institutions of the Second Polish Republic, contracted to manufacture top-tier regimental awards for the Polish Armed Forces.