Physical Description

A Maltese cross, constructed of silver and enamels. The obverse cross is enamelled in purple with a broad silver border, and each cross arm tip features a silver ball finial. In between each cross arm pair is a silver monogram ‘L’. The centre of the cross features a silver rose with a red enamelled centre medallion, which features a left-facing swallow with blue feathers, white belly, and pink throat, standing on a golden star. The medallion ring is enamelled in green with a narrow golden border, with the silver inscription ‘FIDELITER SINE TIMORE 1906’ (‘loyal without fear’). The reverse is similar, except that the cross is in silver, and the medallion is pebbled and features the crowned monogram ‘L’. 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.

The Type III awards feature an image of a bird on the obverse.

Unlike the II Class Cross, the III Class Cross does not feature a surmounting crown.