Order of Leopold (Rank of Knight) – Leopoldsorde (Rangorde Ridder) in Etui

Original Order of Leopold (Leopoldsorde / Ordre de Léopold) (Class of Knight – Rangorde v.d. Ridder) with Etui! This is the post-1952 design with bilungual motto.

The Order of Leopold is the oldest and highest national order of Belgium, established on 11 July 1832 by King Leopold I. It remains one of the three principal Belgian orders of knighthood and is awarded by Royal Decree. It recognizes exceptional service to the Belgian state, whether in military, civil, or maritime contexts.

Overview & Structure

The order is divided into three main divisions:

• Civil Division – for civilian merit

• Military Division – for armed forces (with crossed swords)

• Maritime Division – for merchant navy (with anchors)

It follows a five-class system, inspired by French honors:

1. Grand Cordon

2. Grand Officer

3. Commander

4. Officer

5. Knight

Historical Background

Following Belgian independence in 1830, the newly formed nation required a national honors system. King Leopold I established the order not only for military merit, but for all forms of service to the Kingdom.

The official motto: “L’Union fait la Force / Eendracht maakt Macht” (Unity Makes Strength)

The design was approved shortly after independence and reflects strong European chivalric traditions.

Design & Insignia

Badge:

• White-enameled Maltese cross

• Silver (Knight) or gold (higher classes)

• Green enamel laurel and oak wreath between the arms

• Central medallion:

  • Obverse: Belgian lion on black enamel

  • Reverse: Monogram “LR” (Leopoldus Rex)

• Red enamel ring with bilingual motto

• Topped by a royal crown

• May include crossed swords (military) or anchors (maritime)

Ribbon

• Standard color: Purple

Special distinctions (rare variants):

• ⚔️ Crossed swords – wartime award

• ⭐ Gold or silver stars – mentioned in dispatches or merit

• 🌿 Palms – military wartime distinction

• Gold borders or stripes – exceptional acts of valor

Condition: As seen in the images.