A Portuguese Order of Public Instruction; Breast Star

Four-piece construction, silver gilt with red, white and blue enamelled insignia on an eight-pointed star base, unmarked, 84 mm x 84.5 mm, vertical pinback, intact enamels, extremely fine. Footnote: The Order of Public Instruction is an order of civil merit and was established in 1927. It is conferred upon deserving individuals for "high services rendered to education and teaching" and awarded in the following grades: Grand Cross (GCIP) (Grã-Cruz), Grand Officer (GOIP) (Grande-Oficial), Commander (ComIP) (Comendador), Officer (OIP) (Oficial), Medal (MIP) (Medalha) and Honourary Member (MHIP).