Belgium, Kingdom. An Order of Leopold, Commander with Swords, c.1900

(Leopoldsorde). Instituted on July 11, 1832. Type II. Military Division. In silver gilt, a white enamel Maltese Cross with ball finials and gilt borders, with a green enameled wreath of tied laurel and oak branches, presenting two surmounted gilded swords beneath of a period royal Belgium crown suspension, both in silver gilt, obverse with a superposed crowned Belgium lion on an enameled black background, circumscribing on an enameled red border with the inscription L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Strength in Unity), as well as a beaded outsider gilded ring, the reverse centre featuring the monogram of Leopold I on a black enamel background encircling by ornamented red border, measuring 52.80 mm (w) x 94.74 mm (h - inclusive of crown suspension), with stained white enamels and gilt loss, suspending by an ornamented period loop suspension with original purple neck ribbon, very good.

Footnote: The Order of Leopold was established on July 11, 1832, by the Belgian Parliament. It was named to honour King Leopold I, and it has remained the highest-ranking decoration in Belgium since its creation. It is conferred upon Belgian citizens and foreigners in recognition of brave military service and other meritorious services rendered to the state. The Order is awarded in three divisions; Military Division, Maritime Division, and Civil Division. With the exception of the Military Division, recipients are required to be at least 40 years old. 

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.