World War 1

Original Belgian War Cross 1914–1918 (Oorlogskruis) with Palm. The Belgian War Cross 1914–1918 (Oorlogskruis) is one of Belgium’s most prestigious First World War decorations. It was instituted by Royal Decree on 25 October 1915, inspired by the French Croix de Guerre established earlier that same year.

Awarded exclusively to individual members of the Belgian Army, Navy, and Air Force — and in exceptional cases to foreign Allied servicemen — the War Cross recognized acts of bravery in the face of the enemy.

Beyond gallantry, the decoration was also granted for:

• Three years of front-line service (five front stripes)

• Volunteers over 40 or under 16 years of age with at least 18 months of service

• Escaped prisoners of war who rejoined their unit within three months

• Soldiers unable to resume combat due to wounds sustained in action

The War Cross could be awarded posthumously. In such cases, the ribbon bears a black enamel bar. Non-commissioned officers and enlisted men who died from wounds received in combat were additionally appointed Knights of the Order of Leopold II with palm and also received the War Cross.

Citation Devices (Ribbon Distinctions)

Recipients mentioned in official dispatches could wear the following devices on the ribbon:

• Bronze Lion – Mention in Regimental Orders

• Silver Lion – Mention in Brigade Orders

• Gold Lion – Mention in Divisional Orders

• Bronze Palm – Mention in Army Orders

• Five bronze palms replaced by one silver palm

• Five silver palms replaced by one gold palm

These devices significantly enhance both the historical and collector value of the decoration.

Original Belgian Yser Medal (Medaille van de IJzer / Médaille de l’Yser). The Yser Medal is a Belgian World War I campaign decoration established on 18 October 1918. It was awarded for distinguished service during the Battle of the Yser (17–31 October 1914), where the Belgian Army successfully halted the German advance during the invasion of Belgium.

Award Criteria

The medal was awarded to:

• Members of the Belgian Armed Forces who fought along the Yser River

• Personnel who distinguished themselves during the battle

• Allied foreign soldiers who participated in the engagement

The decoration could also be awarded posthumously.

In the official order of wear, the medal is placed immediately after the War Cross (Croix de Guerre).

Design & Characteristics

• Material: Bronze with enamel detail

• Diameter: approx. 35 mm

Obverse:

• A helmeted nude figure holding a lance, symbolizing resistance and the halting of the German advance

• Inscription: “17–31 OCT 1914”

• Green enameled medallion with the inscription: “YSER”

Reverse:

• A wounded Belgian lion lying on the bank of the Yser River, pierced by an arrow

• Below: inscription “YSER”

• Upper medallion: royal crown above the monogram “A” of King Albert I

Ribbon

• Color: Red silk moiré

• Edges: Wide black stripes

Symbolism:

• Red – Blood shed during battle

• Black – Mourning and sacrifice

Condition: As seen in the images.

A highly significant and iconic Belgian WWI decoration, representing one of the most defensive actions in Belgian military history.

Original Belgian Victory Medal 1914–1918 (“Overwinningsmedaille”) (Inter-Allied Victory Medal / “War for Civilization” Medal) The Belgian Victory Medal 1914–1918, also known as the Inter-Allied Medal 1914–1918 or, after the reverse inscription, the “War for Civilization” Medal, is Belgium’s official Inter-Allied decoration awarded following the Allied victory in the First World War.

Established on 15 July 1919 by King Albert I of the Belgians, this prestigious medal was granted to all members of the mobilized Belgian Army who served between 1 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. Approximately 300,000 to 350,000 veterans received this decoration.

Subsequent decrees extended eligibility to participants in the African campaigns against German colonial forces, as well as civilians who contributed to the war effort, including members of the merchant navy and fishermen.

The medal was worn after the Yser Medal or the Yser Cross in the official order of precedence. In civilian dress, a small ribbon rosette in the medal’s colors was worn in the buttonhole. For formal evening wear, a miniature version of the medal was suspended from a small ribbon or chain. On military uniforms, recipients wore the ribbon bar (baton).

A highly desirable addition for collectors of World War I decorations, Belgian military history, or Inter-Allied commemorative medals.

Note: Price Per Piece!

Original Belgian Commemorative Medal 1914–1918 (Herinneringsmedaille 1914–1918). The Herinneringsmedaille 1914–1918 is an official Belgian military decoration awarded to soldiers and civilians who served in the Belgian Armed Forces during the First World War or who rendered distinguished service during the German occupation. This historic decoration honors their courage, sacrifice, and contribution to Belgium’s war effort.

Crafted in bronze-toned metal, the medal features a distinctive triangular design with a rounded lower edge. The obverse displays the profiled portrait of a Belgian soldier wearing the iconic Adrian helmet, surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves — a classical symbol of honor and victory. The years “1914” and “1918” appear on either side, marking the duration of the Great War.

The full-size medal is suspended from a yellow moiré ribbon with a central black stripe and red borders, reflecting the national colors of Belgium.

An excellent addition to any World War I collection, militaria display, or historical archive.

Note: Price Per Piece!