Belgium, Kingdom. An Order of Leopold, Commander in Gold, c.1850
(Leopoldsorde). Instituted on July 11, 1832. 1839-1951 issue. Civil Division. In 18K Gold, a most excellent white enamelled Maltese cross with ball finials, green enamelled wreath segments in each quadrant, a unique central medallion features a Gold lion on a glass dome, surrounded by a red enamelled ring inscribed L’UNION FAIT LA FORCE, the reverse medallion presents the cypher of Leopold I (LL RR) on a black enamelled field, surrounded by an ornamented red border, the cross is surmounted by a large gold crown, measures 55.75mm (w) x 94.05mm (h), weighs 47.3 grams, marked on the reverse of the suspension with a French Owl denoting import into France from a non-treaty county meeting minimum standards (1893-1990), worn on a full length purple neck ribbon with ties on each end, light enamel wear to the black field on the reverse medallion and obverse red enamel ring, otherwise, a beautiful decoration of excellent quality and extremely fine condition.

