The Royal Order of the Lion was established on 9 April 1891 by King Leopold II, originally created for the Congo Free State. It was awarded to individuals who had rendered distinguished service in colonial administration, development, or scientific research related to Congo. After Congo was annexed by Belgium in 1908, the order was incorporated into the official Belgian system of national orders. The order comprised five classes (Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight) and three medals (gold, silver and bronze). Its motto, “Travail et Progrès” (Work and Progress), clearly reflected the colonial ideology of its time. Following Congo’s independence in 1960, the order ceased to be awarded, but it remains a recognized and historically significant Belgian colonial distinction. Today, the Royal Order of the Lion is mainly valued by collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of military and colonial decorations.
Royal Order of the Lion
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What is the delivery time for medals of honor?
The official medals and labour medals are always in stock and can be delivered to you within 1 to 2 business days. Domestic shipments are usually delivered the next business day, except in cases of force majeure.
What is a slide?
The name ‘slide’ is used for our ribbon bars that can be attached to the uniform using a sliding system. This system replaces the older system that is attached using pins. The sliding systems are not supplied as standard and are sold separately, depending on the number of slides you want to attach next to and under each other. There are sliding systems where 1 to 9 slides can be attached to the same system.
How do I wear a ribbon on my jacket?
A ribbon is attached by pulling the ribbon through a buttonhole and folding it closed at the back.
How do I wear a rosette?
A rosette is attached by passing the rosette through a buttonhole and attaching it along the back with the provided butterfly clasp.
Which version of the distinction do I wear on which occasion?
Wearing your large (official) models, reductions, rosette or ribbon depends on the predetermined dress code that is related to the occasion for which you were invited. You can find more information on the website of the FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.
I can't find a certain medal on the website. Can you still supply it?
Not all products we offer are also listed on our website. Our website only contains the commonly sold items. If you are looking for something specific, or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone, e-mail or via the contact form.
Do I have the right to wear or purchase the decoration of my grandparents or ancestors?
In principle, anyone may buy medals (think of the many collectors) as long as they are not worn.
Wearing decorations is the sole responsibility of the wearer. Wearing medals that you have not acquired yourself is a punishable offence.
Do I need to send my ‘certificate’ if I want to buy a decoration?
No. Buying decorations may in principle be done by anyone (just think of the many collectors), as long as they are not worn if you have not acquired the right to wear them yourself.
Do I need to purchase a ‘bar for medals’ to attach my decoration?
All our medals are supplied individually with a stainless steel fork pin as standard. If you wish to attach multiple medals next to each other, a large bar for medals can be purchased on which the medals can be sewn.