PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A white enamel, 1 9/16", Maltese cross with silver highlights and silver ball finials to each of the eight points. Between the arms of the cross are green enameled oak leaved laurels and at the bottom between the points of the cross is a silver scroll work. On the obverse and reverse are 11/16" central disks with beaded gold borders, the obverse featuring a gold Lion Rampant on a black enamel background surrounded by a red enamel ring with the motto, in gold script, "L'Union Fait la Force" (Unity Is Strength) while the reverse has the face-to-face monogram "LR" (for King Léopold I) with a central "I" on black enamel surrounded by a ring of red enamel with a gold laurel wreath and a six point star to the top. Attached to the top of the cross is a 3 dimensional crown, with ball and cross on top, in a silver wash with bright blue/silver inlaid lines. A ring passes through the ball on the top of the crown though which a 1 7/16" wide by 5" long piece of the original wine colored ribbon is threaded. The award comes with its original simulated red leather covered wood case, that is about 5 1/8" by 2 7/8" by 1 1/8", with a piano wire hinge and a silver spring loaded push button latch. To the bottom front of the case is a 1" by 3/8", eight sided, yellow sticker with the gold text "Etablissements", "Jules Fonson", "49 Rues Fabriques Brux". The interior lid is lined in a light yellow satin with a gold embossed script makers name "J Fonson", "Médaillegy Acr" and gold knights helm with plume. The bottom interior is lined with a padded yellow felt surrounded by a raised white cardboard insert which serves to hold the lid in place when closed. Between the lid and bottom is a strip of white satin that hides the hinge. The medal is in almost perfect condition with only a tiny flaw to the white enamel on the top reverse arm of the cross and a light age tarnish to the silver crown which brings out the blue/silver inlays. The case is in great condition with some light wear and some minor scratches. One of the best looking medals I have seen.

GRADE****3/4                             PRICE $250.00