Portugal, Kingdom. A Military Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Vicosa, Grand Cross Breast Star, c.1880

(Ordem de Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Vila Viçosa). Instituted in 1818 by King John VI. Of French manufacture, 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 a red enamel interior cap, the reverse features a single pin assembly with dual stays and four rivets for the white enamelled stars, a makers cartouche of LE MAITRE PARIS, pin and catch marked with boars head denoting French manufacture post 1838, measures 67.25mm (w) x 93.63mm (h – inclusive of surmounting crown), weighs 64.6 grams, small enamel wear to blue ring otherwise entirely intact, scattered gilt wear, a lovely decoration, in near mint condition.