Belgium, Kingdom. An Order of Leopold in Gold, Officer, c.1900

(Ordre de Léopold/Leopoldsorde). Instituted on July 11th, 1832. (c. 1900 issue). Constructed of 18kt Gold, consisting of a white enamelled Maltese Cross with ball finials, with a green enamelled laurel and oak wreath tied together at the base in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a central black enamelled medallion bearing a rightward-facing rampant lion, surrounded by a broad red enamelled ring inscribed with “L’Union Fait la Force” (Unity is Strength) in capitalized lettering in Gold, the reverse bearing a similar central black enamelled medallion inscribed with the monogram “LR” for King Leopold I, surrounded by a broad red enamelled ring featuring a laurel wreath, suspended from a hollow swivel crown, pierced ball suspension, and swivel ring from a period-original ribbon featuring a rosette, unmarked, measuring 42.7 mm (w) x 67.5 mm (h- inclusive of crown suspension), weighing 22.8 grams, worn on a full length ribbon with large rosette, small enamel chips in arms and notable loss of enamels in the green wreath on the obverse and reverse, in very fine condition.