Step Inside the Reimagined Polmanarkivet

A year in the making, we are proud to share the reimagined Polmanarkivet with a new platform, memberships, a refreshed identity, and more. Dive in and read about all the new exciting features.

Rediscovering Jürgen Polman the Elder's Obscure Portrait

For over 50 years, this 17th-century portrait of the family patriarch has remained hidden — until now. Polmanarkivet unearthed this important artwork and invites you to explore its origins and the story of how it was rediscovered.

A Look at Our First Acquisition

We are proud to announce our first-ever physical acquisition, a collection of 18th and 17th-century manuscripts related to the Pohlmann family from Hille, where the family originated. This collection is not just an addition to our archives, but a tangible link to the very roots of the family tree.

A rare Sword of Honour from King Gustaf III to Colonel AF Påhlman 1790

Title

Description

A rare Sword of Honor gifted from King Gustaf III to Colonel AF Påhlman in 1790 for his services during the Russian War of 1788–1790. Owned by Colonel Adolf Fredrik Påhlman (1743-1825) and then by descent.

Length 102 cm.

Between 1788 to 1790, Adolf served in the Finnish War, also known as the third Russo-Swedish war of the century, through which Sweden sought to regain lost territory in Finland. In 1788, he was involved in the fighting at Fredrikshamn, from which Sweden eventually retreated; in 1789, he was lieutenant colonel in the Kronoberg regiment and commanded them at Anjala, Uttismalm and Värälä, including a crucial two-and-a-half month encounter at Liikkala. In 1790, he was a colonel in the army at Värälä and then commanded the battle of Valkeala – led by King Gustav III himself – during which he sustained a foot injury from a scrap bullet which was fortunately not dangerous.

Despite being wounded, Adolf continued his military exploits, commanding several regiments including Kronoberg, Hälsinge, and Bohuslän, as well as Elimä hunter battalion, Nyland’s dragoon regiment and Swedish Cossacks in the attack at Nappa village near Keltis. He was also briefly in charge of 3000 men at Jaala and surrounding posts. The war eventually ended with a Swedish victory. For his service, Adolf was presented with a sword by King Gustav III.

Thanksgiving services were celebrated throughout the kingdom. On May 2, 1790, the Te Deum was sung in Valkeala, after which Gustaf III granted the pardon as a reward. Major General af Pollet was appointed Commander of the Order of the Sword. Major General Pauli, Lieutenant Colonel Påhlman and Captain Berell were presented with swords.”

Sources: Berg, Olof P: Gustaf III's oaths of honour part II, in the writings of the Swedish Weapons History Society. New series XVIII, Stockholm 2003, pages 11; 15-24

Henrika Tandefelt, “Gustaf III inför sina undersåtar – konsten att härska och politikens kulturhistoria”, (University of Helsinki, 2007), 344