Belgium, Kingdom. An Order of Leopold, Commander in Gold by Wolfers, c.1880

(Dutch: Leopoldsorde, French: Ordre de Léopold). Instituted on July 11, 1832. Civil Division. Constructed of 18kt Gold, an outstanding enamelled white Maltese cross with typical ball finials, featuring a highly detailed enamelled green wreath of laurel and palm in each quadrant, the obverse presenting a central Belgium lion also in Gold on enamelled black background, surrounded by elegant enamelled red border with French inscription L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Strength in Unity), with mirrored design, the reverse centre depicting a royal cypher of Leopold I also on a black enameled background, within an elegant enamelled red ornamental ring, the cross is surmounted by period Belgium crown, small French owl mark on obverse suspension ring denoting imported gold items from noncontractual countries from June 2 1893, measuring 57.63mm (w) x 89.11mm (h - inclusive of cross adorned royal crown), weighting 44.7grams (including ribbon), presenting tarnished crown, suspended by loop suspension on original full-length ribbon, near mint condition.

Accompanied by a hard-shelled black case, the exterior lid presenting a crowned gilded cypher of Leopold I, the interior lid is inscribed by maker's mark WOLFERS & FILS, BRUXELLES, in a white-cream silk, with recessed black bed medal in cotton, measuring 83 mm (w) x 34 mm (h) x 147 mm (l), clasp functional, presenting wearing surfaces, the box in poor condition.

Footnote: The Order of Leopold was established on July 11, 1832, after a month of contentious debates in Belgian Parliament. It was named to honour King Leopold I, and it has remained the highest-ranking decoration in Belgium since its creation. There are two models of the Commander which differ in the obverse inscription. The inscription of both models translates to “Strength in Unity,” but it appears on the first model in French, and on the second model in French and Dutch. The reverse inscription, “LR,” stands for “Leopoldus Rex” (King Leopold).