Commemorative badge of the 4th Congress of Municipal Savings Banks, held in Lviv in 1938.
Municipal Savings Banks played an important role in the financial system of the Second Polish Republic. Operating under local government authorities, they provided savings and credit services while supporting local investment and economic development. Their congresses served as important meetings for representatives of savings banks as well as local government and financial circles.
The badge was designed by Rudolf Mękicki (1887–1942), an eminent Lviv artist, graphic designer, medallist, heraldist and numismatist, and curator of the numismatic collection of the King John III National Museum in Lviv. Mękicki was one of the most important figures in Lviv applied graphic arts during the interwar period, designing, among other works, medals, badges, bookplates, commemorative prints and heraldic emblems.
The badge was manufactured by the Sobczyk workshop in Lviv, one of the local makers of badges and metalwork. The precise execution of the multicoloured enamel and the elaborate form of the badge reflect the representative character of an object created for a nationwide congress.
The central part features a colourful enamelled application depicting the coat of arms of Lviv, surrounded by a decorative wreath and surmounted by a crown. The badge is mounted on an impressive blue fabric rosette.
Below is a red ribbon bearing the inscription “IV KONGRES / K.K.O. / 1938”, referring to the 4th Congress of Municipal Savings Banks.
Tears to the red ribbon, reinforced with a piece of paper.
Fastened with a pin.
Badge from the Collection of Lech Kokociński, Honorary President of the Polish Numismatic Society.
Badge dimensions 30 × 23 mm; rosette diameter 58 mm
