Belgium, Kingdom. An Order of Leopold in Gold, Commander Cross, c.1880
Item #EU14836
$876
(1865-1909 Issue). Civil Division. Leopold II. In Gold with red, white and green enamels, weighing 44.3 grams, unmarked, cypher of Leopold II (1865-1909) on the reverse centrepiece, 56.3 mm (w) x 87 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, on its original full-length neck ribbon, chipping and crazing evident in the white enamels on the obverse arms at 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock, repair evident in the white enamels on the reverse arms at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock, very fine.
Footnote: The Order of Leopold is one of the three current Belgian national honourary orders of knighthood. It is the highest order of Belgium and is named in honour of King Leopold I. It consists of a military, a maritime and a civilian division. The maritime division is only awarded to personnel of the merchant navy, and the military division to military personnel. The decoration was established on July 11, 1832 and is awarded for extreme bravery in combat or for meritorious service of immense benefit to the Belgian nation. The Order of Leopold is awarded by Royal order.