(Dutch: Leopoldsorde, French: Ordre de Léopold). Instituted 1851. French Model. In silver and enamel, a white Maltese cross with ball finials and a laurel and oak wreath segments in each quadrant, the obverse medallion in thing Gold presenting a rearing lion on a black enamelled field, surrounded by a red enamelled ring inscribed L’UNION FAIT LA FORCE, the reverse medallion in thin Gold presents a LL RR II cypher on a black enamel field surrounded by a red enamel ring, the badge is suspended by a silver crown, measures 40.4mm (w) x 61.9mm (h – inclusive of cross adorned crown suspension), weighs 28.5 grams (including ribbon), worn on original heavily faded ribbon, small enamel chips and evident replacement enamels on obverse 6 and 9 o’clock arms and reverse 3 and 6 o’clock arms, loss of green and red enamel in wreath, notable contact marks, overall in near very fine 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. It is conferred upon Belgian citizens and foreigners in recognition of brave military service and other meritorious services rendered to the state. There are two models of the Knight 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).