Belgium, Kingdom. A Royal Order of the Lion, V Class Knight, c.1930

(Ordre Royal du Lion). Instituted 1891 by King Leopold II. 1891-1951 period. Type I. Likely French manufacture, a blue-bordered white-enameled Cross Patte in high quality silver, exhibiting finely hand-finished details on each arm, each quadrants embellished by hand-detailed crossed silver “C” monograms (for Congo), surmounting by a detailed typical of period Belgium royal crown also in silver, obverse centre superposing by a gilded crowned Belgium lion, on a nicely enameled blue background, surrounding by a gilded border inscribed by etched lettering TRAVAIL ET PROGRES (Work and Progress), as well as a wavy outsider border with partially blue enamels, the reverse centre superposing by a crowned gilded Leopold II’s monogram, with a nicely enameled red background, circumscribed by a wavy border in blue enamels, measuring 39.69 mm (w) x 64.48 mm (h - inclusive of royal crown suspension), presenting minor wearing surfaces and minor blue enamel loss on the reverse, accompanied by original ribbon, very fine condition.

Footnote: The Royal Order of the Lion was established by King Leopold II on April 9th, 1891 as a celebration of his own 56th birthday. It was originally created as an Order of the Congo Free State, but it was later integrated into the national hierarchy of decorations in Belgium after the Congo Free State ceased to exist as a private domain of King Leopold II in 1908. The Order was discontinued in 1962 following the declaration of Congolese independence in 1960. The King was Grand Master.

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.