Belgium, Kingdom. Two Orders Of Leopold Ii, Iv Class Officer And V Class Knight

(Ordre de Léopold II). Instituted 1900. Type II (1908- Issue). A IV Class Officer, a silver gilt maltese cross with wreath sections in each quadrant, on a crown suspension, centre obverse presents a silver gilt crowned rampant lion on a black enamelled background in a blue enamel surround with the inscription L’UNION FAIT LA FORCE beginning at 7 o’clock, reverse centre presents the embossed crowned cypher of King Leopold II, measures 38mm (w) x 64mm (h- inclusive of the crown suspension and cross adorned horizontally pierced ball), scattered gilt wear, tarnished, on original ribbon with large rosette, near very fine condition.

(Ordre de Léopold II). Instituted 1900. Type II (1908- Issue). A V Class Knight, a silver maltese cross with wreath section in each quadrant, on a crown suspension, centre obverse presents a crowned rampant lion on black enamel background in a blue enamel surround with the inscription L’UNION FAIT LA FORCE beginning at 7 o’clock, reverse centre presents the embossed crowned cypher of King Leopold II, measures 38mm (w) x 59mm (h- inclusive of the crown suspension and cross adorned horizontally pierced ball), replacement hinge in the form of a metal bar, light enamel chipping, on original ribbon, near very fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of Leopold II was established by King Leopold II by an unpublished decree on August 24, 1900. It was originally created as an Order of the Congo Free State, but was later integrated into the national hierarchy of decorations in Belgium after the Congo Free State ceased to exist as a private domain of King Leopold II in 1908. The King is Grand Master. Since 1908, the Order has been conferred upon Belgian citizens and foreigners as a symbol of gratitude for exemplary service rendered to the King of Belgium. It is generally awarded in recognition of long careers in public service to those over 40 years old. The Order was conferred upon all fallen Belgian soldiers and Non-Commissioned Officers in the First World War. 

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.