Polska Walczaca “Fighting Polish” crest

Sterling Silver Polska Walczaca Kotwica crest pendant with antique finish.

The initial meaning of the initials PW was Pomścimy Wawer (“We shall avenge Wawer”). The Wawer massacre (26–27 December 1939) was considered to be one of the first large scale massacres of Polish civilians by German troops in occupied Poland. At first, Polish scouts from sabotage groups painted the whole phrase upon walls. However, this was soon shortened to the letters PW (signifying also the phrase Polska walcząca, “Fighting Poland”)

The P and W initials evolved into the Kotwica (Anchor) – a combination of the letters which was easy and fast to paint. The Kotwica began to signify more than just its intended abbreviation, taking on more meanings such as Polska Walcząca (“Fighting Poland”), Wojsko Polskie (“Polish Army”) and Powstanie Warszawskie (“Warsaw Uprising”). Eventually, the Kotwica became a patriotic symbol of defiance against occupiers and was painted in a graffiti style on building walls.

After World War II, Poland’s communist authorities banned the Kotwica. Used by most associations of former Armia Krajowa members in exile, it was strictly prohibited in Poland.

This pendant is handmade from several individually crafted Sterling silver pieces and assembled using silver solder. Each piece is antiqued and then polished for a historical look.

measures approximately 3/4″ x 1″.

Necklace or cord not included.