Knight in The Order Of Leopold with collar button- CIVIL division - Comes in the original box THE ORDER OF LEOPOLD is the first Belgian Order, both in the order of wear as for its institution. Created in 1832 (decrees of 11 July and 3 August), it is awarded to persons, holding higher rank in life, usually for the length of a career or for exceptional service. In practice long time service is alternatively rewarded by the Order of the Crown and, 5 years later, the Order of Leopold. Some examples : officers in the armed forces receive the Order usually after 20 years of service, 5 years after having received the Order of the Crown; public servants in higher office are eligible after 10 to 20 years (again, 5 years after being awarded the Order of the Crown). Promotion in the Order comes after another 10 years (i.e. after having been promoted 5 years earlier in the Order of the Crown). Little enamel " chip" repaired