VINTAGE WW2 BELGIUM MILITARY CROSS 1ST CLASS MEDAL 25 YEARS SERVICE

62mm high lack enamel Maltese cross with ball-tipped finials and with crossed swords between the arms, on swivel crown suspension; the face a central circular medallion bearing the lion rampant of Belgium within a beaded border; the reverse with a central circular medallion bearing the same obverse design; on original ribbon with rosette denoting a First Class award. The Military Cross was instituted on 11 February 1885 and is awarded for 25 years’ continuous loyal military service. Approximately 300 crosses are awarded each year in two classes; this very good example is of the rarer First Class.