Pre-WW2 finds during construction of new parliament building

Archaeologists conducting obligatory excavations prior to construction in Warsaw (Poland) discovered basements and numerous small objects, that were destroyed and buried during World War II. The investigation takes place at a site where a new office building for the Polish parliament will be erected. The finds include crystal and porcelain tableware.

Excavations conducted prior to construction of the new Parliament Office building (by TVN Warszawa)
Excavations conducted prior to construction of the new Parliament Office building (by TVN Warszawa)

The archaeologists knew that they could expect remains of a building there, as old plans and aerial photographs are commonly known and available. But the discovery of items of everyday use was a surprise. The artefacts are in extraordinary condition.

Porcelain tableware (by TVN Warszawa)
Porcelain tableware (by TVN Warszawa)
Plates discovered among the finds (by TVN Warszawa)
Plates discovered among the finds (by TVN Warszawa)

Among the finds are nearly  complete tableware sets made of porcelain and crystal, single porcelain vessels and vases. The tableware was manufactured by Rosenthal, Thomas Bavaria (1908-1939), Shumann Bavaria (1932-1944) and Pirkenhammer Czechoslovakia (1918-1938). A sugar-bowl contained a piece of a newspaper, which can present a date of when the items were hidden. The finds are presently under restoration and conservation.

Porcelain tableware (by TVN Warszawa)
Porcelain tableware (by TVN Warszawa)
A crystal vase (by TVN Warszawa)
A crystal vase (by TVN Warszawa)

(after TVN Warszawa)

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