Belgium, Leopold II Commemorative Medal 1st Type 1865-1905

Instituted on 21 July 1905 to commemorate the 40th year of the reign of King Leopold II. This medal was to be awarded to those who had given 20 years’ “good and faithful service”. The initial issue had the dates 1865 - 1905 on the reverse. In 1951 (allegedly due to pressure from veterans’ groups) the award was further extended to Military personnel who had a minimum of one years’ good and faithful service between 16th December 1865 and 18th December 1909. The medal is struck in gilt bronze and is 30 mm in diameter, it has a ball and ring type suspension mounted on a bow design. The obverse has the bust of Leopold II set over a Rupert Cross surrounded by laurels and oak leaves. The reverse is similar, but with the bust of Leopold replaced by the dates 1865 - 1905 (first type). The ribbon is red, yellow and black. Never offered before and available in very limited numbers.