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Belgium, Kingdom. An Order of Leopold, Grand Cross Star with Swords, by Mortimer & Hunt, London, c.1850

This item is part of The Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection. Click Here to view all items in this collection.

Item: EG2524

Belgium, Kingdom. An Order of Leopold, Grand Cross Star with Swords, by Mortimer & Hunt, London, c.1850

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Belgium, Kingdom. An Order of Leopold, Grand Cross Star with Swords, by Mortimer & Hunt, London, c.1850

(Ordre de Léopold). Instituted on July 11, 1832. Military Division. 1832-1951 Issue. Of quality English manufacture, consisting of a typical British elongated style eight-pointed star in faceted silver, embellished by an exquisite obverse centrepiece exhibiting two solid crossed swords in Gold, denoting Military issue, underneath of a finely enameled red and black Gold central medallion displaying a superposed Belgium lion also in Gold, surrounding by Gold lettering L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Union Constitutes Strength), encircling by a nicely ornamented outsider ring, the reverse with typical British pin assembly in Gold, featuring jewelry maker’s label of Mortimer & Hunt, London, a short-term business joined by John Mortimer and Mr. Hunt from 1839 to 1854, measuring 85.89 mm (w) x 94.83 mm (h), presenting slightly toned silver and tarnished Gold, with intentional scratch on the date of the maker’s label, with fine patina, extremely fine.

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. The Military Division is conferred upon military personnel and features decorations with crossed swords.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.