WW2 Silver Cigar Box owned by a commander of the 12th Podolski Lancers Regiment, participants in the Battle of Monte Cassino, along with 4 Polish Unit Patches. Box measures 4 1/4 x 6 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches Hallmarked "LR" and "(boar head) 87" on the underside, with a flush-mounted hinge, a silver finished brass Polish Land Forces eagle, over "MONTE CASSINO 11-18 MAJA 1944" and "12 Pulk Ulanow Podolskich". Inside the box are a pair of "POLAND" shoulder devices (white embroidered on red felt, a white shield with bullion border and cross on blue felt, and a white embroidered mermaid on a red felt shield (used by the 2nd Corps). The 12th was an reconnaissance unit, equipped with armored cars and motorcycles, and was one of the units involved in the Battle of Monte Cassino. This polish soldier fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino and his unit the Podolian Uhlans were the first to bravely capture the strategic hill with massive casualties. Originally purchased at Rock Island Auction Company in December 2011 lot 349 from the Collection of a renowned Illinois Collector. A rare piece of history from one of WW2 most bloody and historic battles.
