(Ordre royal du Lion / De Koninklijke Orde van de Leeuw). Instituted in 1891. Type I (1891-1951). In silver with blue, white and red enamels, unmarked, measuring 41 mm (w) x 68.8 mm (h) inclusive of its crown suspension, intact enamels, without ribbon, extremely fine.
Footnote: The Royal Order of the Lion was instituted on April 9, 1891 (as a Congo Free State order, incorporated into the Belgian system in 1908), and was discontinued on July 1, 1962, although it remains in the Order of Precedence. It was awarded for meritorious service to the Belgian colony or its sovereign, in five grades: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight, and three medals: Gold, Silver and Bronze Grades.

