Portugal, Kingdom. A Miniature Order of Vila Viçosa

(Ordem Militar de Nossa Senhora da Conceição de Vila Viçosa). Established by King João VI of Portugal on 6 February 1818. An outstanding enameled white nine-pointed star in silver gilt, embellishing by finely gilded rays with a small enameled white five-pointed star in each quadrant, the obverse centre with a gilded medallion engraved by cypher MA for Mary, surrounded by an enameled blue border inscribed PADROEIRA DO REINO, mirrored design, surmounted by Portuguse royal crown also in silver gilt, measuring 19.31 mm (w) x 30.80 mm (h - inclusive of crown suspension), the ring is marked by unreadable mark, presenting mior tone silver on the tips, otherwise extremely fine.

Footnote: Created by King João VI of Portugal in Rio de Janeiro 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 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.