(Ordem Militar de Cristo). Type I (1780-1910 Issue). A delicate multi-rayed beaded star in silver, presenting a period enameled white and red insignia of the Order, surrounded by a delicate wavy beaded ring in silver gilt, adorned with an enameled red and green Heart of Christ with surmounted enameled black cross also in silver gilt, reverse with principle pin assembly, measuring 58.62 mm (w) x 70.84 mm (h - inclusive the Heart of Christ), intact enamels, with minor toned silver in the tips, extraordinary piece in near extremely fine.
Footnote: The Military Order of Christ has a long and convoluted history closely related to Portugal and the Catholic Church. Its origins lie in the dissolution of the Templar Order by Pope Clement V in 1312; the Order is considered the direct heir of the Templars in Portugal. The Order was established by King Denis in 1319 as a religious Order under the Cistercian rule to serve the Portuguese crown and expel the Moors from the peninsula. It participated actively in the crusades, the inquisition and the first overseas travels. In fact, it was part of Christopher Columbus's fleet that arrived in America in 1492.