Brazil, Empire. An Army Medal for Bravery in Operations Against the Government of Paraguay 1868

(Medalha do Exército por Bravura em Operações Contra o Governo do Paraguai). Instituted in 1868. In bronze, measuring 25.5 mm (w) x 35 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced integral suspension, edge nicks, very light contact, original ribbon, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Triple Alliance War pitted the landlocked nation of Paraguay against Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay in Latin America’s bloodiest regional war. It started in 1864, when Brazilian forces invaded Uruguay in support of that country’s Colorado Party. Uruguay’s Blanco Party called on Paraguay for assistance. Paraguay declared war on Brazil in December and on Argentina three months later. The war did not end until 1870 with the death of Paraguay’s dictator, Francisco Solano López. Paraguay lost most of its able-bodied men as well as much territory to Argentina and Brazil. In addition to medals made during the fighting, the three allied armies agreed to an exchange of medals among their troops two decades later.