Order of Leopold II (Rank of Knight) (Order van Leopold II (Ridder))

Original Order of Leopold II (Rank of Knight) (Order van Leopold II (Ridder)). The Order of Leopold II is a Belgian civil order of chivalry, originally established in 1900 by King Leopold II in the Congo Free State, then his personal possession. The order’s motto, “L’Union fait la force” / “Eendracht maakt macht” (“Unity makes strength”), reflects the Belgian national ideal.

Initially awarded for services rendered to Congo and to the sovereign, the order was incorporated into the Belgian honors system after Congo became a Belgian colony in 1908. Following Congo’s independence, the Order of Leopold II remained part of the Belgian national system of honors. Today, it is one of Belgium’s three national orders, alongside the Order of the Crown and the Order of Leopold.

The Order of Leopold II is awarded to civilians and military personnel for distinguished service to the King and as a mark of his personal esteem.

Version Offered: Knight (Ridder)

• Pre-1952 without “Eendracht maakt Macht”

• Includes Palm!

The Knight wears the insignia on a 37 mm wide ribbon on the left breast.

Distinctive characteristics of the Knight class:

• Cross in silvered metal (not gilded)

• Crown suspension in silver

• Blue ribbon with a central black stripe

• Worn as a breast decoration

A refined and historically significant decoration, ideal for collectors of Belgian orders and colonial-era honors.

Condition: Please, see the damage to the enamel in the middle!