Portugese medals, Portugese Orders, Portugese decorations, Order of Christ, Order of Calatrava, Order of Alcantara, Order of Tower and Sword, Order of Villa Vicosa, Order of Isabella.

NEW! Portuguese Army Exemplary Service silver medal. Rare maker: A.F.G., marked beneath King's shoulder (obverse). Well detailed, great condition. Original ribbon. Silver medals are hard to find. 32.8mm dia. Item # Por-59 (128)

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Newly Published:

'A Conceição de Portugal and Brazil. Moeda, Medalhas e Insígnia Honorífica' - Our Lady of Conception of Portugal and Brazil. Coins, Medallions and Honorary Insignia' by Antonio M. Trigueiros.

Highly recommended work on the Military Order of *Our* Lady of Conception of Vila Vicosa and associated insignia including the earliest examples and even older medals and medallions. Absolutely best reference material on the topic with wealth of photos and archival material previously not published (from both, Portuguese and Brazilian sources). Hard cover, 392 pages. Book in Portuguese language.

Click here to download PDF file with all relevant information.

Please contact the author, Antonio M.Trigueiros in order to purchase.

editor@estudosdenumismatica.org

Portuguese Red Cross Order, miniature cross. Good quality. Enamels intact, complete with original ribbon. Item # Por-58 *SOLD*

1902 Queen Amelia Overseas Campaigns Medal Silver grade! (Por. Medalha da Rainha D. Amélia CAMPANHAS DO ULTRAMAR grau prata). Medal was established in December of 1902 and replaced the previous form of the Queen's medal. This medal was awarded as a general campaign medal and with additional bars for various places, all in the African continent. The previous Queen Amelia's medals (1896) were given for campaigns in the Africa, Asia and Oceania. This (post 1902) version of the medal was also shortly lived and became obsolete when Portuguese Republic was founded in 1910. As a result, there were considerably few awards made, especially in the silver grade (often considered as purely officer's award).

Offered here is a very nice striking marked by "BELLO". Complete with original ribbon and suspension bar (ball tips). 32mm in diameter, planchet approximately 2.5mm. Medal in excellent condition, a few very light contacts and small tarnish spot. Ribbon shows slight wear. Medal is quite rare, especially in the silver grade. Item # Por-57 *SOLD*

Medal of Queen Amelia 1895 for MOZAMBIQUE campaign. Excellent quality and condition, crafted in copper with a wonderful sheen finish. Complete with original ribbon. Medal designer/manufacturer's initials visible on the obverse 'V.A'. Medals of this kind are relatively scarce (and very hard to find for sale). 33mm in diameter. Item # Por-56  *SOLD*

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Order of Saint James the Sword, excellent quality COLLAR BADGE! Large silver badge with rich enamels, suspended from oval laurel wreath with side loops for fastening to the rest of the collar. This is a deluxe quality collar badge. Some of the enamels have restorations (profesional work) which do not detract from the overall apearance! It is unmarked but most likely of the earlier vintage, Portuguese manufacture. Badge measures 50mm in width, suspension 33mm wide. Appears to be in siver with gilding. Item # Por-55 *SOLD*

Order of Our Lady of Villa Vicosa, Grand Cross breast star of the order. Finest quality, likely by Portuguese manufacturer (unmarked) circa 1860-1890s. Silver, silver gilt and gold. Excellent quality crown atop the large enamelled centre badge. All of the small white stars are present (these are often missing from such stars). Some enamel chips here and there but not detractive. Some of the armtips missing. Otherwise very good. This is a very impressive and intricate breast star. Multi part construction. Star is deeply vaulted and measures 78mm in diameter, 89mm measured from bottom of the rays to top of the crown. Item # Por-53 *SOLD*

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Early cap/helmet badge for officers. Appears to be struck in gilded copper. Nicely enamelled. Shows slight wear. Original threaded post and nut. Slightly vaulted. 40mm x 33mm. Such badges are not easily found. Item # Por- 52 *SOLD*

Order for Agricultural Merit, cased Knight's class. Silver gilt, nice enamels - some minor chipping to green tips and good quality repair to small part of the white ribband. This Order was/is rarely awarded. Lower class being actually quite difficult to find. Case is marked by Frederico Costa. Badge carries manufacturer's plaque on the reverse: Joao Anjos Condecoracoes, Lisboa. This maker's distinct hallmarks present on the suspensions. Complete with original ribbon, ribbon device and ball-tipped suspender bar. Badge is 49mm in diameter. Overall very nice set. Republican period. Prior to merging into the Order of 'Mérito Empresarial' (which gathered the Agricultural, Industrial and Commercial Orders into one). Item # Por-51 *SOLD*

Legiao Portuguesa (Portuguese Legion) - Fascist inspired militia like organization. Silver Cross of Merit with original ribbon, buckle with cross of Avis device and a top bar. Cross measures 45.5mm in width. Such crosses are rather scarce, issued to top personnel of the Legion. Shows light wear. Plating to buckle is worn. Item # Por-47 *SOLD*

Portuguese Legion Silver Medal for Good Conduct and Diligence (Bom Comportamento e Assiduidade). Early example (probably 1930's), original ribbon (faded). Large wreath/font type. Ribbon buckle and ball-end top bar are in hallmarked silver! Maker mark as well (Da Costa).Medal in silvered copper. Shows age and some wear. Other than some loss of silver plating condition is good and better. Rare medal! 31mm dia. Item # Por-46 (185)

Order of the Christ, Officer in gilt. Post 1910, good quality. Original ribbon, buckle and rosette. Enamels are perfect. 40mm x 25.2mm. Very nice award. Item # Por-42 *SOLD*

Order of Sant'Iago (Saint James the Sword). Officer's badge in silver gilt. Contemporary vintage. Good quality. Flawless enamels. Thoroughly marked by manufacturer (M. Pinhao). 53mm (bottom of the cross to top of wreath suspension) x 24mm. Rosette lightly soiled. Item # Por-41  *SOLD*

Order of Prince Henry (Navigator), Silver Merit Medal. Silvered copper, all original parts. Ribbon slightly soiled. This is a large medal, measuring 42mm in diameter. Surprisingly difficult to find. Item # Por-38 *SOLD*

Medal for Exemplary Conduct (Behaviour), silver class - type  1921.Silvered copper, original ribbon with buckle. Shows slight wear, ribbon faded. 32mm in diameter. Item # Por-36  (88)

Award for Diligence in the Youth organization, Mocidade Portuguesa. Silver class. Organized in 1936, originally based on the Italian Fascist ONB movement and Hitler Youth. Dissolved in 1974 with the fall of the Estado Novo, authoritarian government. Quite rare. Attractive design. Lightly gilded. Proper ribbon (probably replaced). 35mm dia. Item # Por-33 *SOLD*

Military Medal for Exemplary Conduct, gold class. (Medalha Militar de Comportamento Exemplar), 1946 type. Gilt, well designed. 38mm dia. Item # Por-32 (85)

Order for Public Instruction, Commander's class. Por: Ordem da Instrucao Publica. Orders's statutes date from 1919. Awarded mainly to Civil Servants and Teachers (both Nationals and Foreigners) for meritorious services. Order has always been scarcely awarded. Offered here is an earlier example in silver gilt (unmarked). Very good quality, Beautiful, hand-chased suspension. 62.5mm x 51.5mm. Full neck ribbon with ties/hook-catch. Hard to find Order in any class. Item # Por-26 (205)

Royal Order of Aviz (Military), 1860's Grand Cross breast star with sacred heart. Fabulous and older example of this very old and respected Chivalric Order. Superb quality and condition. Star finely cradfted in silver and gold (centre motiff). Slight chip to the middle of the Aviz cross. Centre appears to be rotated. This multiple part star was manufactured by firm of: 'Arellano ourives Rua nova do carmo No.46 Lisboa' (seal on the reverse). This maker is very rarely seen and according to our research resided at this address until about 1864 (changed name to Souza & Arellano in 1865 or so). Sacred heart is separately attached and in gold (slight chip to red). Four bunches of leafs/flowers on the inner ring, beautifully decorated. Body of the star is super fine detailed, individual elements are hand shaped to form rounded 'diamond' cut. Mounting hardware all original, including 'U' style pin. Star is highly vaulted. Centre of reverse plaque shows mounting rivet which is rather unusual. Overall, a most impressive example. 77mm x 66mm.

Item # Por- 54 *SOLD*

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Military Valour Gold Medal. This is the highest award for bravery of the contemporary times. Silver gilt, maker marked to the suspension (M. Pinhao). Enamels perfect. Multi part construction. 40.1mm dia. Original ribbon and buckle. Very rare! Item # Por-37 *SOLD*

Order of Industrial Merit, Complete Commander's set in original case of issue. Ordem de Mérito Industrial. Neck badge in silver gilt, well marked by maker and silver fineness. Manufacturer's plaque on the reverse. Multi part construction. Breast badge in silver gilt, similar marking as the neck badge plus Portuguese Order's Chancerie's mark to back of the ribbon clasp. Large box of issue in textured cardboard, nicely lined and fitted for ribbons. Manufactured by : "M. Pinhao, Condecoracoes, Rl Pedras Negras, 3 r/c.- Lisboa". Neck badge in great condition, few minor chips to wreath. Very fine work. 64mm in diameter. Complete with original ribbon and ties. Breast badge in excellent condition, 40mm diameter. Original ribbon with rosette. Fine quality miniature in silver gilt with original ribbon. Lapel rosette completes the set. Insignia of his Order are relatively scarce, very hard to find in such complete set. Case shows minor scuffs. Overall very impressive. Order was originally created (as Agricultural and Industrial Merit) in 1893. These were revived and reformed in 1926, again in 1991. Set offered here is of 2nd type and an older vintage. Item # Por-50 *SOLD*

Commemorative Silver Medal for the Campaigns of the Portuguese Armed Forces - bar France 1917-1918 (Medalha Comemorativa da Campanhas do Exército Português - 1916. Type 3 b (small date on the reverse) - as issued in 1921 to members of the Portuguese Expeditionary Forces fighting in France during WWI. Silver medals are scarcer, bar is original (copies exist) and proper for the medal (silver). Quality is good. Original ribbon somewhat fatigued but still shows nice colours. Complete with French style ball-tip top bar (those were simply slipped through 2 loops of thread on the uniform - simple yet very practical system). Medal shows light wear. 33.8mm in diameter.Silvered bronze. Very hard to find in this combination. Item # Por-44 *SOLD*

Interallied Victory Medal. Official type 2 (according to Laslo's book). Excellent - 'text-book' example with original ribbon/buckle. 36mm ø, ball approx 5mm dia, buckle 42mm x 10mm. No edge bumps, details are very good. It would be hard to find a better example of this rather difficult to obtain medal. Item # Por-48  *SOLD*

Order of Villa Vicosa, old quality breast badge in Gold and silver gilt. Very rare - original box of issue by Estevao De Souza, Lisboa (one of the earlier court jewellers producing Orders in the XIX century). This firm has been in business at least as early as 1850 (being a jeweller - especially to Queen consort Maria Pia since 1862). Judging by the case and quality this set would date around 1860-1870. Badge and the centre is in fine Gold, body and crown in silver gilt. Complete with a generous length of original ribbon and the old style ribbon clasp (silver gilt). Condition of the badge is excellent, only slight chips to stars (arms and centre near mint). Beautifully detailed crown. Badge nicely vaulted, multi-rivet construction. Box shows age but no detractive damage. Satin lining, blue velour interior fitted for the award. Badge is 39.5mm in diameter. Very rare label of the manufacturer on the bottom. It would be hard to find better set from that time period. Item # Por-49 *SOLD*

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Order of Sant'Iago (Saint James the Sword), Grand Cross breast star in silver gilt. Republican type (post 1910). Judging by manufacturer's plate (Frederico Costa) and hallmarks - most likely 1930s vintage. A superb example of this scarce award. Multi part constuction. Excellent condition. 73mm dia. Nicely vaulted. Hallmarks to pin and catch. Hard to obtain in this class.Item # Por-28 *SOLD*

Order of Military Merit, Commander class in original box of issue by 'Antiga Casa Teofilo - Condecoracoes, Lisboa'. Excllelent set in silver gilt, hallmarked on the ribbon clasp. Complete with full neck ribbon (no ties). Quality of the cross is very good, some chipping beneath the tower suspension. Few 'spider' cracks here and there. Case of issue is of high quality (rare by this maker); decorative trim and deep ribbon well. Cross is 55mm wide, by 85mm to top of tower suspension. Very nice set. Item # Por-45  *SOLD*

Medal commemorating 5th Centenary (1460-1960) of Prince Henry the Navigator's death. MEDALHA NAVAL COMEMORATIVA DO 5º CENTENÁRIO DA MORTE DO INFANTE D. HENRIQUE. Silver medal (hallmarked 833 fineness Lisbon assay and maker mark, (Joao Anjos). Awesame design, incredible detail and finest quality workmanship. Incorporating several Portuguese motiffs (Order of Christ and Avis etc). Obverse inscribed: "Talant de bie faire"; reverse: "Do Infante d.Henrique + Quinto Centenatrio Da Morte". Designer/maker  initials present. Original ribbon. Medal came in 2 classes (gold and silver, respective numbers made were 1000 of 'gold' and 2000 of silver). Issued to Nationals and Foreigners between 1960 and 1963. Rarely found medal, would certainly please any collector. 34.5mm ø. Item # Por-30 *SOLD*

Red Cross Distinguished Service Medal with Great War Bar! Excellent example of this relatively hard to find medal and very rare bar "Ambleteuse 1917-1919 FRANCA". Medal in copper (3rd class), 1918 type. According to our reference material (MEDALHA DA CRUZ VERMELHA by Paulo Jorge Estrela) - there were only 82 such bars approved, amongst which only 25 in copper 'grade'. Medal of 32mm dia, showing beautiful detail and lovely age darkening. Planchet: 2.4mm. Bar measures 34.5mm x 18mm x 1mm and is die-struck (not cast). Ribbon appears original. A superb and scarce medal/bar combo. Item # Por-29 *SOLD*

Order of Prince Henry the Navigator (Ordem do Infante Dom Henrique), Knight in silver gilt. Simple yet attractive design. Perfect enamels, ribbon has minor pulls. Hallmark to the suspension eye (partial mark of 'M. Pinhao'). 42mm x 30.5mm. Very nice. Item # Por-39 *SOLD*

Bronze Medal for Campaigns (Armed Forces) with bar for Quanza Sul 1917-1918. Matching set, original ribbon. Medal of type 3 b. WW1 Colonial medals are difficult to find. 33.8mm ø. All original. Item # Por-43 *SOLD*

The WW1 Interallied Victory Medal. Official type 2 (according to Laslo's book) - but with few very minor differences. Original ribbon is quite fatigued. Ball type suspension. Bronze, darkened with age and some verdigris present. Overall, medal in very good condition. Hard to find. Item # Por-25 *SOLD*

Overseas Service Gold Diligence Medal. Medalha de Assiduidade Serviço no Ultramar.  Awarded during the war of 1961-1974 in Angola, Mozambique and Guinea. Hard to find in this class. Great looking medal. Original ribbon. Appears to be silver gilt, shows only slight wear. 32.5mm dia. Item # Por-35  *SOLD*

Portuguese Legion Bronze Medal for Dedication. Legion was created in 1936 with strong ties to Fascist movement abroad. Legionists were essentially Salazar's (a right wing dictator) militia. At their peak numbers reached to some 20 000 strong.  Legion carried their own system of medals and decorations. All are considered fairly rare.  Bronze medal, attractive design in form of the Aviz Order's cross. Original ribbon with clasp. 29.6mm in diameter. Item # Por-34 (122) *SOLD*

Bronze medal for Good Conduct, in the para military youth Organization Mocidade Portuguesa (originally a pro fascist movement). Handsome medal, original ribbon (fading). Very hard to find. 35.7mm dia. Item # Por-31 *SOLD*

1891 Military Overseas (Colonial) Medal in bronze. These were issued for service in Portuguese colonies as country struggled to stay afloat as Colonial power. Some hard fought battles along with many skirmishes took place in Central-West Africa. Some places were not brought under Portuguese control until period of the Great War (1914-1915) as was the case with Mozambique. Medal is in great condition, just slight wear. Original ribbon, suspension intact. 30mm in diameter, planchet 2.8mm thick. Such medals are becoming scarce. Item # Por-27  *SOLD*

Order of Miltary Merit (Medalha De Merito Militar) - Commander class. Silver gilt, numerous hallmarks representing firm of João Rodrigues de Almeida. Complete with original, full length neck ribbon and wide ties. Couple tiny chips to red enamel, otherwise in great condition. Hand-chased border, beautifully decorated ribbon suspension. Large badge, 55.4mm wide. Very hard to find in higher classes. A superb example of this strictly military award. Awarded for military merit, gallantry or exceptional leadership qualities in the active service.This class is restricted for Colonel rank of the army, Captain of the Warship and 10 year long and exemplary service in the rank of Major (army) and Captain (Navy). Item # Por-24 *SOLD*

Military Merit Order, Knight class in silver gilt. Profusely hallmarked (João Rodrigues de Almeida) and Lisbonne assay silver purity mark for 0.833. Complete with original ribbon and miniature device, 'U' type stickpin fastener. Near mint condition (superficial chip to red enamel). 30.5mm wide. Excellent piece. Item # Por-23  (170) *SOLD*

Order of the Christ, Military Division 3rd class. Separate Military division of this very old Order was established in 1880 and differs considerably from Civil Division. This style is also often referred to as the 'new/modern form'. A superb example in silver gilt. French manufacture (probably Kretly or Boulanger), silver content mark (head of a wild boar) on the suspension. Beautiful, original ribbon with rosette (French style - rosette would indicate French recipient). Excellent enamels, small quality repair to lower left tip (white trim). Not awarded in this style after 1910. Most likely 1890's vintage. Multi part construction. 40mm wide. Item # Por-22 *SOLD*

Order of Villa Vicosa (Our Lady of). Initially founded in 1819 and awarded for military and civil merit alike (insignia bear no visible distinction). Order was discontinued in 1910. French-made Knight badge of the Order. Very good quality. French silver hallmark (boar head) to a bottom-most ray. Single sided badge. Multi part construction in silver gilt with gold centers. Each star is individually attched to body via small rivets. Crown suspension with blue and green enamelled 'jewels' (obverse). Center disk shows great attention to details with hand-chassed trims, inscription and cypher. Enamels intact, only 1 slight chip to tip of the bottom left diagonal arm. Original silk ribbon, faded. 42mm wide x 62mm high (to top of crown). Very nice example. Item # Por-21 *SOLD*

Marine Rescue Silver award. Portuguese name: Medalha de filantropia e Caridade do Instituto de Socorro a Náufragos. Issued by the Instituto de Socorros a Naufragos (ISN), which is the Portuguese Institute for Lifesaving. Such awards are usually for rescue at sea and come in few variations and 3 classes. Originally established in 1908 and revised in 1913 with additional types. Presented here is award with inscription: 'Filantropia - Caridade' (Philanthropy - Charity). Most wonderful decoration, rarely awarded in any class. Maker marked in couple of locations (M. Pinhao), white enamel and gilt centre/legend. Multi-part construction. Excellent condition. WW2 era vintage. Original ribbon with marked (M. Pinhao) clasp. Stunning piece, incredibly well-designed and super rare on the market. 38mm x 33mm. Item # Por-19 *SOLD*

Order for Military Merit, Knight or Officer in silver gilt. Beautifuly crafted with chiseled trim. Swivelled crown suspension. Original ribbon with typical Portuguese clasp. Hallmarked on eye and clasp with J.R. de Almeida markings along with Porto essay .833 silver purity mark (on clasp). Only one small chip to right arm (top part) of the cross. Otherwise great condition. 31.5mm x 47mm. Hard to find award. Item # Por-14. *SOLD*

Order of Tower and Sword, Officer. Republican (post 1917) issue in silver gilt. Flat tower top type. More recent manufacture (perhaps 1960's) but of considerably good quality. Portuguese hallmarks on the eye (maker and 835 silver purity mark). Enamels intact. Original ribbon with buckle/rosette. Shows light wear, no damage. 40.5mm wide. Very nice example. Item # Por-18. *SOLD*

Kingdom, Order of Tower and Sword. This Order was established in 1808 by John, Prince Regent of Portugal (King of Brasil); in fact this was the revival of the old chivalric (i.e., non-religious, unusual for Portugal) Order of the Sword, founded by Alphonso V in the year 1459. Offered here is the Knight class in silver and gilt, 1832-1918 type. Very well-detailed badge of Portuguese manufacture. Judging by the quality, most likely late 1890's-1917 vintage. Green and blue enamels intact (some old, excellent repairs to blue ribband, very hard to spot). Typical cracking to white enamels on arms (no chipping whatsoever!). Silver hallmarks (833 -Porto assay) to top bar. Original ribbon and silver clasp. Very good condition. 51mm x 43mm. (325) Item # Por-13. *SOLD*