Portugal, Kingdom. A Military Order of Vila Viçosa, Grand Cross Star, by J.A da Costa, c. 1895

(Ordem de Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Vila Viçosa). Instituted in 1818. In silver gilt, a nine-armed star with clusters of five rays, the obverse presents a superimposed nine-arm white enamelled star with white enamelled stars in each quadrant, the obverse medallion features the cypher MA for Mary in Gold, surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed PADROEIRA DO REINO (Patroness of the Kingdom), surmounted by an ornate crown with purple and green enamelled shapes along the riband, the reverse features a dual prong pin assembly with rivets for the white enamelled stars and crown, a makers cartouche of J.A. Da COSTA LISBOA, pin marked with swan punch mark denoting silver manufacture, imported from countries without a trading contract to France, since 1893, catch marked with swan and owl punch mark denoting pieces made from Gold, importuned from countries without a trading contract to France, since 1893, measures 76.75mm (w) x 89mm (h – inclusive of surmounting crown), weighs 52.1 grams, small enamel wear to blue ring otherwise entirely intact, minor loss of gilt wear, a lovely decoration, in extremely fine condition.

Contained in its hardshell case of issue featuring a red leatherette exterior, the lid is impressed with the crowned cypher D.C.I., the interior presents a grey coloured silk lid interior impressed Joaquin Auguste da Costa Fabricate de Condecoracoes Rua de S Juliao 110-30 LISBOA, a black velvet medalbed, twist clasp on the front with functional hinge, measures 94mm (w) x 108mm (l) x 47.50mm (d), light wear around exterior, loose threads near hinge, silk interior box in lid removable, remains in very fine condition.

Footnote: Created by King João VI/John VI of Portugal in Rio de Janerio on 6 February 1818, the date of his acclamation of the united kingdom of Portugal, Brazil, and Algarves, the Military Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa (Ordem Militar de Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Vila Viçosa) was established in honor of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, principal patroness of Portugal since 1646, for the effective protection of the Portuguese kingdom from the consequences of the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. It was awarded to Portuguese and foreign military personnel and civilians in recognition of loyal service to the crown and who has displayed acts of devotion to the pope and the Holy Mother.