Leopold Order, Type I, I Class Cross (with crown)

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.LPD.0102.101.01.001

Estimated market value:

$2,500 USD

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Estimated market value:

$2,500 USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Germany
  • Composition
    Silver/Enamelled
  • Inscription
    Rev: L FÜR VERDIENST
  • Size
    48x71mm
  • Version Remarks
    Four were awarded.

Physical Description and Item Details


A Maltese cross, constructed of silver and enamels. On top of the 12 o’clock arm, attached to an agraffe, sits a mobile cut-out crown. The cross is pebbled with a smooth and raised border, and each cross arm tip features a ball finial. In between each cross arm pair is a monogram ‘L’. The centre of the cross features a medallion in white enamel with a red enamelled rose with golden centre and leaves. The medallion ring is smooth on the inside and decorated on the outside. The reverse is similar, except that the medallion is in pebbled silver and features the crowned monogram ‘L’, and the medallion ring is in pebbled silver and features the inscription ‘FÜR VERDIENST’ (‘for merit’) with a decorative line at the bottom. On a loop for suspension, on a white ribbon with red borders.

History


The Leopold Order was founded by Prince Leopold IV in 1906, and was conferred upon individuals, regardless of rank or nationality, who rendered meritorious service to the sovereign and state. Originally, the order featured a single class, which could be conferred with or without a crown.

In 1908, the I Class Cross with Crown was modified to feature a stick pin fastening device. At this point, the order was extended to feature a Silver and Bronze Merit Medal.

In 1910, the order was extended to include a Grand Honour Cross, a Silver Collar, and a Gold Merit Medal. The Grand Honour Cross was conferred upon the princes of the House of Lippe, as well as members of other ruling houses.

The Grand Honour Cross served as I Class, the Cross with Crown as II Class, and the Cross without Crown as III Class.

In 1916, the order’s purpose was extended so that the decorations could serve as a reminder of the ascension of the Lippe-Biesterfeld line to the head of the House of Lippe.

The order became obsolete in 1918.

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