Belgium – Gilt Medal 1905 – 75th Anniversary of Belgian Independence – Mutualist Festival in Bourlers
Obverse:
Helmeted female allegory of Belgium standing left, holding an olive branch and extending a laurel wreath toward a medallion bearing a bust of King Leopold II. A lion reclines at her feet. In the background, tablets list key freedoms of the 1831 Constitution. Around the edge: “75e ANNIVERSAIRE DE L’INDÉPENDANCE DE LA BELGIQUE”. Dated below: “1830–1905”.
Reverse:
Within a laurel wreath: inscription in five lines: “BOURLERS / ✱ / FÊTE / MUTUALISTE / 10 SEPT. 1905”. Above the medal is an elaborate suspension with Belgian royal crown.
Historical Context:
Struck to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Belgian independence in 1905, this medal was awarded during a mutualist (working-class solidarity) celebration held in Bourlers. The obverse honors the liberal principles of the 1831 Constitution—freedom of the press, worship, and association—while the reverse links national pride with grassroots civic culture. Medals of this type were often distributed during official and local patriotic events in the early 20th century.
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