Belgium, Kingdom. A Minature Order of Leopold with Diamonds, c.1900

(Dutch: Leopoldsorde, French: Ordre de Léopold). Instituted in 1851. In silver with red, black and green enamels, with fifteen old rose cut diamonds, one on each arm of the cross, the other eleven on the crown, Gold centrepieces, cypher of Leopold I (LL RR I) on the reverse centrepiece, measuring 13.2 mm (w) x 22.5 mm (h), intact enamels and diamonds, original ribbon with dual prong pinback, extremely 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 and is issued in five classes: Grand Cordon, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight.