Belgium, Kingdom. An Order Of Leopold In Gold, Officer, C.1910

(Leopoldsorde). Instituted on July 11, 1832. 1839-1951 issue. Civil Division. Constructed of Gold, a hollow ball-tipped Maltese Cross with elegant white enamels and golden edges, presenting a detailed enameled green laurel wreath in each quadrant, surmounted by “aplati” royal crown suspension also in Gold, obverse centre consisting of a superposed Gold Belgium lion on an enameled black background, surrounded by an enameled red band inscribed L’ UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Strength in Unity) with decorated outsider golden ring, reverse presenting cypher of Leopold I (LL RR I) with ornamented black and red enamels, measuring 41.36 mm (w) x 68.18 mm (h - inclusive of its crown suspension), weighting 17.4 grams , with minor lost of green enamels on both sides and cracked white enamels, with bent ball finials on 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock arms, bent laurel wreath on the 3 o’clock arm and replaced ring suspension, fine.

Footnote: The Order of Leopold is one of the three current Belgian national honourary orders of knighthood. It is the highest order of Belgium and is named in honour of King Leopold I. The decoration was established on July 11, 1832 and is awarded for extreme bravery in combat or for meritorious service of immense benefit to the Belgian nation. 

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.