Rare trade plaque of Józef Iwanicki, a well-known Lwów mechanic and entrepreneur who operated one of the largest sewing machine businesses in Galicia. His company had been active since the early 1870s, initially at the George Hotel and later at 26 Akademicka Street. Iwanicki specialised in the sale of sewing, embroidery, hosiery, tailoring, and shoemaking machines, while also operating a repair workshop and providing instruction in sewing and embroidery.
The plaque features a decorative White Eagle surmounted by a crown and surrounded by heraldic ornamentation, with the inscription "JÓZEF IWANICKI WE LWOWIE" ("Józef Iwanicki in Lwów"). It was most likely attached to a sewing machine or its wooden base as the trade mark of Iwanicki's business. The mounting holes on both sides clearly indicate that it was intended as a maker's or retailer's plaque rather than a personal badge. Surviving period advertisements confirm that Iwanicki sold machines manufactured by leading European companies, including Singer and later Pfaff, often marketed under his own well-established Lwów trade name.
Badge from the Collection of Lech Kokociński, Honorary President of the Polish Numismatic Society.
Dimensions 44 x 33 mm
