Bronze pendant featuring the Lesser Coat of Arms of Czechoslovakia from the period of the First Czechoslovak Republic (1918–1938). The design depicts the Bohemian double-tailed lion bearing a shield with the Slovak double cross on its chest. This historic coat of arms symbolised the union of the Czech lands and Slovakia within a single state. It appeared on official documents, government buildings, uniforms and historic railway vehicles.
- Material: Bronze
- Dimensions: 2 × 3 cm
- Made in the Czech Republic
The founding of Czechoslovakia dates back to 28 October 1918, when an independent state of Czechs and Slovaks emerged following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its first president was Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. The new republic needed its own national symbols to represent both its historical roots and the shared future of its two nations. The Lesser Coat of Arms was officially adopted in 1920.
The Bohemian double-tailed lion is one of the oldest heraldic symbols of the Czech state, with origins dating back to the Middle Ages and the reign of the Přemyslid kings. The Slovak double cross on three hills originates from historic Hungarian heraldry and gradually became a symbol of the Slovak nation. Combining these two elements created a coat of arms representing the unity of Czechoslovakia and its two principal nations.
The Lesser Coat of Arms was also used on locomotives and railway carriages of the Czechoslovak State Railways (ČSD). For many people, it remains a reminder of the First Republic, the development of railways and industry, and the era of democratic Czechoslovakia.
A piece of Czech and Slovak history for communities around the world. This pendant is also intended for Czechs and Slovaks living abroad, as well as descendants of Czech and Slovak immigrants who wish to celebrate their heritage and preserve the memory of their ancestors. Historic Czech and Slovak communities can be found throughout the United States, particularly in Texas, Nebraska, Illinois and other states, as well as in Canada, Australia, Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom and many other countries. We ship worldwide, bringing this symbol of shared Czech and Slovak history to people wherever they live.