Czechoslovakia Calvary Presentation Guidon - "Jana Husi", 1920 - 1939.
This is a silk presentation guidon from the Czechoslovakian Army of the so-called First Czech Republic (1918 to 1938). The guidon is inscribed in red on the upper white stripe with the words, "Venuje pěšà pluk Mistra Jana Husi." On the lower red stripe, "CSR" is inscribed in white.
The abbreviation CSR is the acronym for the Czechoslovak Republic, introduced in 1920, helps to further date the guidon to the years between 1920 and 1938. To upper inscription translates as, "Donated by the (1st) Infantry Regiment of Master Jan Hus".
The 1st Infantry Regiment was created from the 1st Czechoslovak Rifle Regiment on the 1st of October 1920 and disbanded on 24 September 1938. It was named for the Bohemian priest and Czech national hero Jan Hus (John Huss), a church reformer and early Protestant leader. He was executed on the 6th of July, 1415 for his beliefs, and this day is a holiday in the Czech Republic.
The army of the Czech Republic garnered inspiration and traditions from the Czech Legion who were volunteer forces fighting with the Entente powers during WWI in the hope that an independent homeland might be created in the post war world. When an independent Czechoslovakia was created after the war, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk became the first president. He sought to continue both the traditions of the Czech Legion and inspire the nascent Czech regiments. Thus, Masaryk named the new regiment after Hus, perpetuating an appellation that Czech soldiers had identified with when they were attached to the Imperial Russian Army.
This guidon has been identified as a presentation guidon given to an individual or some unit as a token of esteem or appreciation. In 1920s, many Entente officers advised the new republic and the French sent a military mission to Czechoslovakia as an advisory body regarding issues of organization and training. Their officers were highly regarded and directly incorporated into the organizational structure of the Czechoslovak military and occupied many of the most significant command positions. It is likely that this guidon was presented to one of these French officers.
How it came to the United States is unknown, but they are thought to be quite rare and unique.
Provenance:
• Czechoslovak Republic, Ist Cavalry Regiment, 1920-1938.
• Purchase by Zaricor Flag Collection, J&S Military Surplus, Moss Landing, CA., 1999.
ZFC Significant Flag
Item is Framed
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