WW2 ERA BELGIUM ORDER OF LEOPOLD II KNIGHT CLASS IN CASE ISSUE FONSON

40mm wide silver Maltese cross with ball-tipped finials, a laurel wreath between the arms, on swivel crown suspension; the face with a circular central black enamel medallion with a silver lion rampant of Belgium encircled by the Belgian motto ‘Strength through Unity’ in French and Flemish in gilt letters on deep blue enamel; the reverse with the monogram of King Leopold II; on original ribbon mounted for wear in the Belgian style; in original case of issue by J. Fonson of Brussels, with a monogram and crown decoration to top of lid.

The order was created by King Leopold II on 24 August 1900, intended to recognise exceptional military and civilian service to the Congo, of which he was sovereign. In 1908 when the Congo became a Belgian Colony, the order became an order of the Kingdom of Belgium and was awarded for service in either country. After 1951, the Belgian motto appears in both French and Flemish, rather than just in French. A good example.