(Medalha de Valor Militar). Established by the Ministry of War of Portugal in 1863. Type I (1863-1910). In silver gilt, obverse illustrating a facing-left portrait of D. Luiz I, inscribed D. LUIZ I REI DE PORTUGAL - 1863 on the outsider ring, reverse inscribed MEDALHA MILITAR (Military Merit) on the outsider border, and VALOR within a laurel wreath, measuring 32.80 mm (w) x 35.05 mm (h - inclusive of the screw loop suspension), accompanied by original ribbon with rectangular bar, presenting toned silver, extremely fine.
Footnote: The Military Valor Medal (Medalha de Valor Militar) was established by the Ministry of War of Portugal on October 2, 1863. It was created together with the Military Bons Serviços Medal and the Military Medal for Exemplary Conduct as an effort to foster loyalty and unity among the Portuguese Army. They were created by Military Organic Decree, and since then they have been called all together as "Military Medal" (Medalha Militar). Originally, the Military Valor Medal consisted of two grades; Gold Medal and Silver Medal. They were exclusively awarded to Portuguese military personnel of the Army or Navy who had displayed, in time of peace or war, heroic acts of bravery with an exceptional capacity to make decisions and an imminent risk of life.