This is an original Knight Cross with the Crown.
The griffin Order don't know a Knight Cross 1st Class or 2nd Class.
The maker is Rose. Most probably given to the Man in between 1904-1910.
No of awards: 600+
after quick search in my database I found 2 Persons in Service for the Congo State
1. Derche, Emile Jules Vincent - dob 11.07.1867 - Mreira, Oberadjunkt im Dienste des Kongostaates - RKmK 21.03.1908
2. Engh, Dr. jur., Martin - dob 24.03.1874 - Kristiania, Chef de zone de 1ere class an Congo Belge - RKmK 19.10.1908
I guess No. 2 is the seached previous Owner.
I'm really in Love with this lovely group!!!