Portugal, Republic. An Order of Prince Henry the Navigator, Bronze Grade Merit Medal, c.1965

(Ordem do Infante Dom Henrique). Instituted in 1960. In bronze with a copper gilt, measuring 42 mm in diameter, contact marks, original ribbon is transposed and sewn in place, very fine.

Footnote: The Order of Prince Henry is a Portuguese order of knighthood created on June 2, 1960, to commemorate the quincentenary of the death of the Portuguese prince Henry the Navigator, one of the main initiators of the Age of Discovery. Minor reforms of the constitution of the Order occurred in 1962 and 1980. It is a five-tier order, whose titles are awarded for relevant services to Portugal and for services in the expansion of the Portuguese culture, its history and its values (with a particular focus on its maritime history). The number of members in each grade is restricted by its constitution, and titles are attributed by special decree by the Grand Master of the Order, i.e., the President of Portugal. It is awarded in six classes: Grand Collar, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight/Dame, along with Gold, Silver and Bronze Grade Merit Medals. The special distinction of Grand Collar can be awarded only to heads of state.