Description
The Greater Coat of Arms was adopted via royal decree on March 17, 1837. The central design or blazon is comprised of a Belgian lion in profile surrounded by the grand collar of the Order of Leopold. On either side are a pair of standing fierce lions holding lances with two national flags of Belgium. Beneath them is the motto “L’union fait la force” [Unity is strength]. The whole is placed on a dark red mantle with ermine lining and fringes and tassels, surmounted by a gold crown. Above the mantle are the banners of the arms of the nine provinces that constituted Belgium in 1837, from left: Antwerp, West Flanders, East Flanders, Liège, Brabant, Hainaut, Limburg, Luxembourg and Namur.
Condition: Generally very good, with the usual overall light toning, wear. Some light minor scattered flaking, drying cracks, craquelure, abrasions, and paint losses.
Reference:
“Coat of arms of Belgium.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coat_of_arms_of_Belgium (1 June 2021).