Belgium, Colonial. A Royal Order of the Lion, Commander's Cross, c.1930

(French: Ordre Royal du Lion) (Dutch: Orde van de Leeuw). Instituted 1891. In bronze gilt, consisting of white enameled Rupert cross with gilt inlaid detailing and blue enameled boarders, with filigree 'back to back' letter "C"s for "Congo" in each quadrant, obverse centre depicts a crowned Belgian lion on a blue enamel background surrounded by a silver ring with the motto of the Congo "TRAVAIL ET PROGRES", surrounded by a scalloped channel of blue enamel, reverse centre similar to the obverse but with a central disc of red enamel with the crowned royal monogram "L/S/L" superimposed, large crown suspension, measuring 52 mm (w) x 92 mm (h - inclusive of crown, horizontally pierced suspension ball adorned by cross), better than extremely fine.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.