"HK" stands for Hala Krakowiak whose initials are embossed on the cover of this silver compact and the date “11-8-941,” Hala and Ignas’ sixth wedding anniversary is engraved on the inside cover.
They had received visas to safety from Aristides de Sousa Mendes in June of 1940 and were still residing in Figueira da Foz in 1941.
So, who gave Hala this beautiful anniversary gift? Not Ignas. He depended on money from the “Joint,” the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, to take care of his family’s daily needs.
The only logical conclusion is that Signor Alberto Malafaia, the Figueirense who befriended the Krakowiaks, gifted this compact to Hala.
This same exceptional man gave Ignas a silver letter opener with an emblem of the Knights Hospitaller in white on red cloisonné on its handle - also engraved “11- 8 - 941”, and a silver bracelet with the four seasons design, engraved “Yvonne Portugal 942” to their daughter.
This is a replica of Yvonne’s bracelet which the writer regrets has been misplaced.
