24 - Freemason's medallion of the Warsaw lodge Les Frères Polonais Réunis, radiant star "N", dated 1807

Freemason's medallion of the Warsaw lodge Les Frères Polonais Réunis, radiant star "N", dated 1807 Gold-coloured and silver-coloured metal, Freemason's medallion, also known as a lodge jewel, historical medallion from Warsaw, early 19th century, with Masonic dating "l'An 5807" (1807), hinged oval medallion, the front with broad gold-coloured border and a surrounding wire cord laid in loops and knots, dark central field with applied gold-coloured radiant star enclosing the letter "N", probably for Napoleon, below it a two-line engraved inscription in cursive script, in between an applied sword with gold-coloured hilt, at the bottom two clasped hands in gold-coloured relief, below them the engraved monogram "F M" (F∴M∴, Masonic abbreviation for Franc-Maçon, Freemason), the reverse with a plain oval silver-coloured plate within a line-engraved border, engraved with a square enclosing a crossed hammer and trowel, and "F.F Pol∴ reu∴ a l'Or: de Varsovie", condition commensurate with age, 5.5x4.5 cm (HxW). The lodge Les Frères Polonais Réunis (The United Polish Brothers) was founded in Warsaw in 1807, a few months after the Peace of Tilsit and the establishment of the Duchy of Warsaw; its members were predominantly military men who had been initiated in French lodges, and it maintained close ties with the Grand Orient de France. The National Grand Orient of the Duchy of Warsaw emerged from this milieu in 1810. The formula "à l'Orient de Varsovie" denotes the seat of the lodge, and the year 5807 follows the Masonic Anno Lucis reckoning, which adds 4000 years to the civil year. Polish Freemasonry of these years was marked by a pronounced cult of Napoleon, linked to the hope of restoring Poland; the letter N, often accompanied by a laurel wreath or a crown, was the most widespread emblem of Napoleonic symbolism and appeared on medals, tableware, furniture and textiles.