Poland

The reverse depicts Poland Exhibit bilding at World's Fair surrounded by two trees. In exergue, REPUBLIC OF POLAND / EXHIBITION / NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR / 1940

Ignace Jan Paderewski was one of the most famous pianists of his age and an inspiration to Polish nationals. In addition to being a world-renown pianist, he was also famous for his wit. One anecdote recounts how he was introduced to a polo player with the words:

"You are both leaders in your spheres though the spheres are very different."

He replied:

"Not so very different. You are a dear soul who plays polo, and I am a poor Pole who plays solo."

Kilenyi admired Paderewski and, when he was retained to design a medal symbolizing the friendship between the United States and Poland, he picked his likeness for the obverse. Because Paderewski was unable to sit for him and photos and drawings were not sufficient Kilenyi watched Moonlight Sonata, a movie featuring the famous pianist, to capture Paderewski's essence.

The medal's obverse bears portrait of Tadeusz Kosciuszko facing right. Around, TADEUSZ - KOSCIUSZKO; signed and dated at left shoulder, S+KO / N.Y. 26

The reverse bears Polish eagle over crossed halberds in wreath of grain and oak. Around, "HE WAS AS PURE A SON OF LIBERTY AS I HAVE EVER KNOWN AND OF THAT LIBERTY WHICH IS TO GO TO ALL, / AND NOT TO THE FEW OR / TO THE RICH ALONE / (TH JEFFERSON); in four sectors created by crossed halberds, POLAND / RACŁAWICE; AMERICA / SARATOGA; MACIEJOWICE / POLAND; AMERICA / WEST POINT; at bottom of wreath, 1746 1946 / BICENTENARY OF BIRTH; signed at grips of halberds, J.S. and S+KO

Kościuszko (Andrew Thaddeus Bonaventure Kosciuszko; 1746 –1817) was a Polish-Lithuanian military engineer, statesman, and military leader who became a national hero in Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, and the United States.

He fought in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth's struggles against Russia and Prussia, and on the American side in the American Revolutionary War. As Supreme Commander of the Polish National Armed Forces, he led the 1794 Kościuszko Uprising.

In 1776, Kościuszko moved to North America, where he took part in the American Revolutionary War as a colonel in the Continental Army. An accomplished military architect, he designed and oversaw the construction of state-of-the-art fortifications, including those at West Point, New York. In 1783, in recognition of his services, the Continental Congress promoted him to brigadier general.

The medal's obverse is based on an earlier 1926 portrait done by the artist and is dated accordingly. If I interpret the J.S. on the reverse correctly, Ostrowsky might have ccoperated with another sculptor on that part of the medal, maybe with J. R. Sinnock, who signed another medal with a J.S. monogram in 1946.

The circular medal measures 63.3mm in diameter and was struck in bronze by the Medallic Art Company of New York. No mintage is reported.

References:   MACo 1946-012