Belgium, Kingdom. An Order Of Leopold, Ii Class Grand Officer's Star, By G. Wolfers, C.1900

(Dutch: Leopoldsorde, French: Ordre de Léopold). Instituted in 1832. Type I. (1832-1951 Issue). A silver cross featuring scaled arms and ball finials, with five emanating smooth rays in each quadrant, centre obverse bears a silver gilt rampant lion on a black enamel medallion, with a silver gilt ring bordering the red enamel surround inscribed L’UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Unity is Strength), with a delicately tooled thin silver gilt surround, centre reverse presents dual stays and a vertical pin assembly, maker marked on cartouche G. WOLFERS R.DE LA MADELINE No 35 BRUXELLES, measures 84.5mm (w) x 84.5mm (l), central lion insignia slightly loose, enamels fully intact, extremely fine condition.

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. It consists of a military, a maritime and a civilian division. The maritime division is only awarded to personnel of the merchant navy, and the military division to military personnel. 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. The Order of Leopold is awarded by Royal order and is issued in five classes: Grand Cordon, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight. 

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.