Belgium – Miniature Croix de Guerre 1914–1918 with Swords and “1914–1918” Clasp Belgium – First World War Miniature Croix de Guerre 1914–1918 With crossed swords • “1914–1918” clasp • Original ribbon This listing concerns a single original miniature Belgian Croix de Guerre 1914–1918, complete with its crossed-swords combat distinction and the desirable “1914–1918” campaign clasp. The medal retains its original tricolour ribbon in excellent condition, featuring the typical ivory centre with black, yellow, and red borders as used during the Great War. Miniature decorations were privately purchased and worn on formal and ceremonial dress by veterans who had earned the full-size decoration. ⸻ Features • Country: Belgium • Award: Croix de Guerre 1914–1918 (War Cross) • Type: Miniature decoration • Material: Gilt bronze • Devices: • Crossed swords (combat action distinction) • Bar “1914–1918” (full wartime service clasp) • Ribbon: Original WWI-style tricolour ribbon • Condition: Very fine to extremely fine — bright gilding, sharp details, clean ribbon. • Dimensions (approx.): • Medal: 14–16 mm • Ribbon: c. 35–40 mm ⸻ Historical Background Instituted after the First World War, the Belgian Croix de Guerre 1914–1918 rewarded soldiers who demonstrated bravery, merit or distinguished conduct under enemy fire. The crossed swords mark actions performed in a combat zone, while the “1914–1918” clasp recognises service throughout the main wartime period. Miniature versions were produced in small quantities by jewellers and are today highly collectible, especially when complete with original ribbon and devices, as in this example. ⸻ Collectability This miniature is particularly desirable because: • It includes both the combat swords and the full-period clasp • It has excellent preservation • Miniature Belgian WWI decorations are scarcer than their full-size equivalents A fine piece for collectors of WWI militaria, Belgian awards, or miniature medal groups. ⸻ Shipping Secure worldwide shipment with tracking. Carefully packaged to protect the ribbon and gilded surfaces. Belgium – Miniature War Medal 1914–1918 – Gilt Bronze – Original Ribbon Belgium – First World War Miniature War Medal 1914–1918 Gilt bronze • Original ribbon • Excellent condition Offered here is an original miniature version of the Belgian War Medal 1914–1918, created for private purchase and worn by decorated veterans on formal and ceremonial dress. This miniature is made of gilt bronze and retains its original WWI-style ribbon with the characteristic vertical pattern in red, yellow and black. The obverse shows the Belgian lion, symbol of national strength and resistance, while the reverse displays the inscription “LA GRANDE GUERRE – 1914–1918” with the royal crown above. ⸻ Features • Country: Belgium • Period: First World War (1914–1918) • Award: Médaille Commémorative de la Guerre 1914–1918 • Type: Miniature decoration (private purchase) • Material: Gilt bronze • Ribbon: Original tricolour ribbon, vertical Belgian stripes • Suspension: Original ring + period pin-back mounting • Condition: Very fine to extremely fine — bright gilding, sharp details, clean ribbon • Dimensions (approx.): • Medal: 15–17 mm • Total length: c. 45–50 mm ⸻ Historical Background Instituted in 1919, the Belgian War Medal honoured all soldiers and volunteers who served in the Belgian Army during the First World War. Miniature medals were produced by jewellers for officers and veterans who needed a smaller version for evening dress, commemorations and official receptions. Because miniatures were never distributed officially, numbers were far smaller than full-size medals, making them sought after by collectors of Belgian and WWI militaria. ⸻ Collectability This piece is desirable due to: • Beautiful, intact gilding • Completely original period ribbon • Private-purchase miniature, scarcer than full-size medals • Excellent display and collection value Ideal for a collector of WWI medals, Belgian decorations, or miniature medal bars. ⸻ Shipping Secure worldwide shipment with tracking. Carefully packaged to protect ribbon and gilding.