^Lot 2745 BELGIUM: AR order, AU

BELGIUM: AR order, The Order of the Crown, Knight's Cross (5th class) with crossed swords, with original ribbon and case of made by K. Walravens & Company, Brussels, AU, ex Joseph E. Lang Collection. 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. Crossed swords are added to the ribbon when awarded in wartime. The badge is a five-armed, white-enamelled "cleft" star with green enamel laurel and oak wreath in the angles. The obverse features a royal crown on a blue enamel background, while the reverse shows the monogram of King Leopold II .