Description and research notes
Specimen of the 1 złoty from the 1919 reform issue, printed by Waterlow & Sons in London and featuring the same Kościuszko portrait as the circulating note. Series S.36 B. This official specimen carries the full set of trial cancellations: diagonal red overprint 'WZÓR.' (with dot) between parallel lines, 'Bez wartości' twice on each side, and two vertical perforations. The live serial 060793 is paired with the printed pattern control number 1893, consistent with Waterlow’s archival practice.
WZÓR notes were not intended for circulation — they were produced for approval, staff training, and internal record-keeping. Because they were frequently handled and intentionally defaced, survivors are usually found in low grade. This example, however, retains original paper quality as confirmed by the PMG EPQ designation, an uncommon combination for perforated wzory of this era.
Important as the specimen companion to Poland’s first złoty denomination, this note directly connects to the Kościuszko 1 zł design while highlighting the printing controls and cancellation methods used by Waterlow in 1919. PMG 40 EPQ makes it a superior survivor within its class — historically significant, visually striking, and a vital piece of the 1919 launch series.