Belgium, Kingdom. An Order Of Leopold, Commander, C.1890

(Leopoldsorde). Instituted on July 11, 1832. 1839-1951 issue. Civil Division. A hollow enameled white Maltese Cross with ball finials in silver gilt, featuring detailed green enamel wreath of laurel and oak branches in each quadrant, surmounted by “gonflé” royal crown suspension also in silver gilt, with obverse centre consisting of a superposed Belgium lion on a black enamel background, surrounded by a red enamel band inscribed L’ UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Strength in Unity), reverse presenting cypher of Leopold I (LL RR) on enameled black background, surrounded by ornamented enameled red border, measuring 58.56 mm (w) x 88.47 mm (h - inclusive of its crown suspension), with evident repair of white and green enamels, lost of enamels on both sides, reverse medallion with strong lost of black enamels, presenting general oxidation, suspended by original moiré neck ribbon, 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. 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. 

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.