Belgium, Kingdom. An Order Of The Crown, Ii Class Grand Officer Breast Star Case

(Ordre de la Couronne / Kroonorde). Instituted in 1897. Hardshelled design on both the lid and base, maroon simulated-leather texture paper exterior on all sides, the lid bearing the Belgian crown in gold-coloured ink, white satin lining, padded and maker marked "P. DeGreef BRUXELLES" on the inside lid, padded yellow cloth medal bed with a white elastic placed in the centre to secure the award, the case containing the 8.5 mm in diameter rosette on a ribbon tab designating is as Grand Officer and affixed to a magnetic black metal button hole attachment, the rosette secured in place by a second white elastic at the upper right in the medal bed, push release closure, measuring 107 mm in width x 132 mm in length x 45.5 mm in depth, scuffing and wear evident on the exterior, extremely clean on the interior, very fine.

Footnote: The Order of the Crown was instituted on October 15, 1897, the Palms and Medals being added June 25, 1898. It was awarded for merit in art, literature, science, commerce and industry. It was issued in five classes: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight, along with two palms: Gold and Silver Grades, plus three medals: Gold, Silver and Bronze Grades.