HONORABLE AND MEMORIAL SYMBOLS IN POLISH SHIPBUILDING INDUSTRY

This elaboration is the result of many years of collecting various souvenirs of a reward character concerning Polish shipbuilding industry from a number of years ago. They can be recognized as honorable symbols which have nothing to do with cash gratification. Initially, the collection contained only medals commemorating various events and ships. It was gradually enriched by other symbols, such as axes – launching symbols, hammers – symbols of the keel placement on the ramp, small half-models recreating the silhouette of the ship and also several personal diplomas and other small souvenir gifts. Each item is associated not only with
a distinguished person but also with a workplace or with an event. By attaching an appropriate commentary to an object, it is possible to enrich the history of Polish shipbuilding. All the honorable memorabilia help to protect various past activities of polish shipyards from disappearing into oblivion. Each shipyard was given individual attention. Whilst one chapter was devoted to enterprises and institutions supporting shipyards, another one was related to sport and recreation in the shipbuilding industry. All the state awards regarding this industry were also mentioned. In 15 chapters there were 492 paragraphs. There were also comments illustrated with more than 400 medals. The remaining paragraphs complemented other symbols, and more than 200 embellishments without comments were also added.
When a medal or another object concerns one ship, all the ships of a given type are also listed according to their construction cycle. At the end of the book there is a list of about 1500 names of ships built in polish shipyards. As a supplement, selected miscellaneas, such as stamps, badges and pennants were added.
In this way a rich work was created. It is not intended for reading „from cover to cover”. It contains a lot of information which is so valuable for people interested in this subject. The shipbuilders who remember the past with fondness will particularly appreciate the book. Time passes by and there are fewer and fewer participants of past events, as evidenced by personal souvenirs provided by their heirs. Many factories have long ceased to exist, and it is worth recalling their splendor because they had a significant impact on the development of domestic industry.
Please be aware that the material used here does not cover the whole topic. The editorial work stopped at the beginning of the 21st century. Only the items collected or spotted by other collectors in the collections were described. In the drawers of shipyard workers there are still many other souvenirs that may be revealed in the future.
The authors would like to thank to those who contributed to the enrichment of the images of shipyard symbols presented here.