Belgium, Kingdom. An Order of Leopold I, Grand Cross Set, Civil Division, by Fisch

 (Ordre de Léopold / Leopoldsorde). Instituted on August 3rd, 1832. A fine jeweler quality example of an Order of Leopold I, Grand Cross Set, consisting of a Maltese Cross with ball finials constructed of gilded silver, with a wreath consisting of laurel and oak leaves in the quadrants between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a circular central black medallion bearing a leftward facing crowned rampant lion in gilt, surrounded by a ring of red enamels inscribed “L’Union Fait La Force” in gilded capitalized lettering, the reverse bearing the Royal cypher of King Leopold I, surrounded by a ring of red enamels bearing a laurel wreath in gilt, suspended from a gilded swivel crown and swivel ring for suspension from its full length period original sash ribbon, hallmarked on the ring 900 silver, makers mark for Fisch, measuring 68.4 mm (w) x 105.1 mm (h-inclusive of crown suspension and cross adorning pierced ball), Gold clasp connecting sash and order, minor contact to enamel, very fine.

Accompanied by the star of the order, a silver eight-pointed star with multi-faceted surfaces, the obverse with a circular central black enameled medallion bearing a leftward facing crowned rampant lion in gilt, surrounded by a ring of red enamels inscribed “L’Union Fait La Force” in gilded capitalized lettering, the reverse with a central silver roundel marked “Fernand Fisch, Bruxelles”, central pin assembly, with dual stays, measuring 85.8 mm (w) x 85.3 mm (l), extremely fine.

Footnote: Born in 1898 in Mexico, Luis Padilla Nervo developed an early passion for politics while studying law at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. His career on the global stage began in 1945, when he signed the United Nations Charter on behalf of Mexico at the San Francisco Conference. Padilla Nervo made history as Mexico’s first Ambassador to the United Nations and served as a member of the United Nations Security Council. In 1951, he reached another milestone by becoming President of the General Assembly during its sixth session. After his time at the UN, Padilla Nervo held several key positions in Mexico’s government, serving in the Ministries of Education, Interior, and Labor. His distinguished career continued with his election to the International Court of Justice, where he served as a judge from 1964 to 1973—becoming only the second Mexican to hold that position. In recognition of his lifetime of achievements, he was honored with the prestigious Grand Crosses from over 30 nations celebrating his enduring contributions to diplomacy, law, and public service.