Belgium, Kingdom. A Lot of Orders & Decorations

1.Belgium, Kingdom. A War Cross. Bronze Maltese cross with two long crossed swords between its arms, obverse center medallion bearing the relief image of a lion rampant, reverse center medallion bearing the royal cypher of King Albert I, inclusive of crown suspension 62.6 mm (h) x 38.4 mm (w), on original ribbon, evidence of some oxidation, extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: The Croix de Guerre was established by royal decree on 25 October 1915 as an award for bravery or other military virtue on the battlefield. It was only awarded to individuals. The Croix de guerre was not only awarded for bravery but also for three years or more of service on the front line, or for good conduct on the battlefield. It was also awarded to volunteers older than 40 or younger than 16 after a minimum of 18 months of service, to escaped prisoners of war rejoining the armed forces, and to military personnel who were placed on inactive duty because of injury.

2. Belgium, Kingdom. A War Cross. Bronze Maltese cross with two long crossed swords between its arms, obverse center medallion bearing the relief image of a lion rampant, reverse center medallion bearing the royal cypher of King Albert I, inclusive of crown suspension 62.6 mm (h) x 38.4 mm (w), on original ribbon with two clasps showing small palms adorned with the monogram "A" , evidence of some oxidation, extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: The Croix de Guerre was established by royal decree on 25 October 1915 as an award for bravery or other military virtue on the battlefield. It was only awarded to individuals. The Croix de guerre was not only awarded for bravery but also for three years or more of service on the front line, or for good conduct on the battlefield. It was also awarded to volunteers older than 40 or younger than 16 after a minimum of 18 months of service, to escaped prisoners of war rejoining the armed forces, and to military personnel who were placed on inactive duty because of injury.

3. Belgium, Kingdom. An Order of Leopold, V Class, Knight’s Badge. Maltese cross in white enamel surrounded by laurel wreath in green and red enamel, each of the arms finished with two ball finials, obverse center shows crowned lion ringed by inscription “L’union fait la force”, reverse center shows monogram, inclusive of crown suspension 80 mm (h) x 42.7 mm (w), on purple ribbon with crossed swords, evidence of scratching on obverse enamel, slight chipping on reverse enamel, very fine condition. 

Footnote: The Order of Leopold I was established 11th of July 1832 by King Leopold I. It is the oldest and

highest order of Belgium and is awarded for military, maritime and civil service. Crossed swords are added to the ribbon when awarded in wartime. 

4. Belgium, Kingdom. An Order of Leopold II, Knight. Type II. (1908- ) Maltese cross surrounded by laurel wreath, each of the arms finished with two ball finials, obverse center shows crowned lion ringed by inscription “L’union fait la force”, reverse center shows monogram, inclusive of crown suspension 63.8 mm (h) x 38.7 mm (w), on blue striped ribbon, very fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of Leopold II was established on 24 August 1900 by Leopold II. The order is awarded for meritorious service to the sovereign of Belgium, and as a token of his personal goodwill. It can be awarded to both Belgians and foreigners, and is seen as a diplomatic gift of merit.

5. Belgium, Kingdom. An Order of the Crown. Maltese cross in white enamel with clusters of rays in each quadrant, obverse medallion bearing a royal crown on a blue background, reverse medallion bearing the stylized double L monogram of Leopold II, evidence of some gilt wear and oxidation, inclusive of laurel suspension 66.7 mm (h) x 45 mm (w), on original ribbon, extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: The Order was instituted on 15 October 1897 by King Leopold II and is one of Belgium’s highest honors. It recognized heroic deeds and distinguished service achieved for service in the Congo Free State.