Brazil, Kingdom. An Order of Rio Branco, Grand Officer Set in Case, by H. Stern

Ordem do Rio Blanco. Instituted February 14, 1962. A Grand Officer set including a neck badge, composed of silver gilt, a white enamelled Maltese cross with the obverse medallion presenting a silver gilt globe with a diagonal plain sash, surrounded by a blue enamelled ring inscribed VBIQVE PATRIAE MEMOR, the reverse medallion presents a silver gilt medallion embossed 1845 1912, measures 62.1mm (w) x 74.4mm (h – inclusive of ornate suspension between the knees of the 12 o’clock arm), weighs 63.4 grams (including ribbon), worn on an elongated decoration suspension loop, the interior of which is marked PRATA 1000,  on full length neck ribbon, obverse enamel chips on the 9 o’clock arm, in very fine condition. The breast star consists of an eight point star with clusters of smooth silver rays, superimposed on the obverse is the white enamelled Maltese cross with the obverse medallion presenting a silver gilt globe with a diagonal plain sash, surrounded by a blue enamelled ring inscribed VBIQVE PATRIAE MEMOR, the reverse presents a single vertical pin assembly with a makers mark for H. Stern, base is also stamped PRATA 1000 near hinge, measures 76.30mm in diameter, weighs 95.9 grams, enamels intact, 12 o’clock tip of ray bent, pin slightly loose, overall extremely fine condition.

Accompanied by a miniature decoration, in white enamel and silver gilt, worn on a full length ribbon with Grand Officer rosette, measures 18.75mm (w) x 23.15mm (h), enamel chipping and wear around edges of cross, in very fine condition. Also accompanied by the miniature ribbon bar with rosette, worn on a pinch pin clasp.

Contained within its hardshell case of issue, composed of wood and dark blue leatherette exterior with a cross of the order stamped on top, blue velvet medalbed and white silk lid liner in the interior, measures 135mm (w) x 270mm (h) x 45mm (d), light wear around exterior, one of two hinges broken, clasp functional, in fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of Rio Branco (Ordem do Rio Blanco) was established by law on February 14, 1962. It was founded to recognize Brazilian citizens and foreigners who have distinguished served to Brazil in the filed of international diplomacy, through commendable actions of charity, and consultation. In order of precedence, it is the sixth-highest award within the country. The Order was named after José Maria de Silva Paranhoa, the Baron of Rio Branco (1845-1912). He was a politician, diplomat, teacher, and journalist under the reign of Pedro II. He negotiated peace with Uruguay and later with Paraguay at the end of the Triple Alliance War (1864-1870).