Belgium – Medal of the order of the Crown, II class.

Description

The Order was established on October 15, 1897 by King Leopold II in his capacity as ruler of the Congo Free State. The order was first intended to recognize heroic deeds and distinguished service achieved for service in the Congo Free State. In 1908, the Order of the Crown was made a national honor of Belgium, junior to the Order of Leopold. The Order of the Crown is also awarded for distinguished artistic, literary or scientific achievements, or for commercial or industrial services in Belgium or Africa. The Order may also be bestowed to foreign nationals and is frequently awarded to military and diplomatic personnel of other countries stationed in (or providing support to) Belgium. During the Second World War, the Order of the Crown was extensively authorized for award to Allied military personnel who had helped to liberate Belgium from the occupation forces of Nazi Germany. The Order has five classes, two palms (gilt and silver) and three medals (gilt, silver and bronze).

The medal is the first type, 1897-1851 and has the legend “Travail Et Progres” (Work and Progress) in French. This is the second class, silver. The medal is in very good condition unfortunately the ribbon is not correct.