Belgium, Kingdom. An Order Of Leopold, Military Division, Knight, C.1910

Established on July 11, 1832. Consisting of a ball-tipped enameled white Maltese cross in silver, featuring an enameled green wreath of laurel and palm along the quadrants, the obverse presents a central gilded Belgium lion on an enameled black background, encircled by elegant enameled red border with French inscription L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE, the reverse is depicting a gilded royal cypher of Leopold I also on a black enameled background, surrounded by an elegant enameled red ornamental ring, the cross is surmounted by period Belgium crown with two crossed silver swords on the base, denoting military division, measuring 41.12 mm (w) x 68.38 mm (h - inclusive of royal crown), presenting loss of enamel on both wreath and arms, toned silver, the tip of the crown is bent, the cross is suspended by original chest ribbon on a very peculiar ring suspension, fair.

Footnote: The Order of Leopold was established on July 11, 1832, after a month of contentious debates in Belgian Parliament. It was named to honour King Leopold I, and it has remained the highest-ranking decoration in Belgium since its creation. It is conferred upon Belgian citizens and foreigners in recognition of brave military service and other meritorious services rendered to the state.