Belgium, Kingdom. An Order Of Leopold, I Class Grand Cross Case, By J. Fonson

(Dutch: Leopoldsorde, French: Ordre de Léopold). Instituted in 1851. Hardshelled design on both the lid and base with a red wavy pebbled-look cloth exterior, the lid bearing the crowned cypher of Albert I (reign: 1909-1934) in the centre in gold-coloured ink, the inside of the lid lined in white satin, padded and maker marked "J. Fonson Médailles d'Art" (Jules Fonson, 1861-1938) with the company's insignia, a white cardboard insert placed within the base and housing a medal bed in black felt, the medal bed with an extended slot to house the badge above the breast star, dual-hinged, push latch closure, measuring 136 mm (w) x 315 mm (h) x 61 mm (d), wear, scuffing and soiling evident on the exterior, the interior with soiling present on the satin lining on the inside lid, wear on the lips of the framework of both the lid and base, along with extensive fraying in the fabric overlying the hinged area, the one hinge with the pins coming away from the lid forcing the lid to sit slightly askew versus the base, fair.

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.