BELGIUM – Order of the Crown, Grand Cross Set
kr 6,500.00
In stock
Description
BELGIUM – Order of the Crown, Grand Cross Set
(Ordre de la Couronne / Kroonorde)
The Order of the Crown was established on 15 October 1897 by King Leopold II. Originally created to reward distinguished service connected with the Congo Free State, it became a national Belgian order following the annexation of the Congo in 1908. Today it ranks among Belgium’s principal orders of merit and is awarded for distinguished achievements in public administration, diplomacy, commerce, industry, science, culture, education, and military service.
The Order is divided into five classes: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight, together with palms and medals. The higher grades are traditionally awarded to senior government officials, diplomats, military officers, and distinguished foreign nationals.
Description
This set comprises the insignia of a Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown.
The sash badge consists of a white enamelled Maltese cross with gilt rays between the arms, suspended from a green enamelled wreath of oak and laurel leaves. The central medallion bears a gold royal crown on a blue enamel ground, symbolizing the Belgian monarchy. The badge is suspended from the distinctive wine-red neck ribbon of the Order.
The accompanying breast star is formed as a faceted silver star with alternating silver and gilt rays. At its centre is a miniature representation of the badge’s obverse medallion, displaying the gold crown on a blue enamel field.
This Set
The set is a complete Grand Cross set, comprising:
- Bbadge with sash.
- Grand Cross breast star.
- Fitted presentation case.
Condition
Extremely Fine to Near Mint; enamel intact with minimal wear; silver breast star bright and sharply detailed; gilt finish well preserved; original neck ribbon present with minor storage creasing; housed in its fitted presentation case.
Historical Note
The Order of the Crown remains one of Belgium’s most prestigious decorations and has long been associated with distinguished civil, diplomatic, and military service. Complete Grand Officer sets are considerably less common than the lower grades and represent a senior level within the Belgian honours hierarchy. The combination of neck badge, breast star, original ribbon, and fitted case makes this an impressive and highly desirable example of a major European order of merit.
