(Ordem do Mérito Agrícola). Instituted in 1893, Reinstated 1926. Of Portuguese manufacturing, an extraordinary and very scarce Grand Officer set consisting of a multirayed nine-armed cross in silver gilt, each arm is adorned by one small five-pointed star with green enamel, the obverse is superposed by a finely enameled green nine-pointed star with central medallion displaying a partially enameled coat of arms of the Republic of Portugal, circumscribed in an enameled white border inscribed MERITO AGRICOLA (Agricultural Merit), surmounted by a green enameled laurel wreath tied by an enameled blue bow, the reverse is plain with maker’s cartouche of João Anjos, measuring 64.34 mm (w) x 101.26 mm (h - inclusive of suspension), marked on multiple occasions by maker’s mark and an unreadable silver Portuguese hallmark, suspended by ornamented loop suspension on an original neck ribbon, presenting lots of white enamel on the central medallion, slightly loose small star on the one o’clock arm, otherwise in very fine condition. Accompanied by the breast star consisting of a multirayed nine-pointed star in silver, each arm is embellished by a five-pointed star with green enamel in silver gilt, the obverse is superposed by an enameled green nine-pointed star in silver gilt, the obverse with central medallion displaying a partially enameled coat of arms of Portugal republic, encircled by the inscription MERITO AGRICOLA on a white enameled border, plain reverse with maker’s cartouche of João Anjos, marked on multiple occasions by maker’s mark and an unreadable silver Portuguese hallmark, measuring 80.92 mm (w) x 80.15 mm (h), minor loss of green enamel and tarnished silver, very fine condition. The set is contained on a hard structure black box, the exterior lid is adorned with Protuguse coat of arms in gilt, the interior of the box in white-cream silk with recessed bed medal in cotton, measuring 109 mm (w) x 45 mm (h) x 244 mm (l), presenting several wearing surfaces, otherwise very good condition.
Footnote: The Order of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Merit was instituted as the Order of Agricultural and Industrial Merit by King Charles I in 1893. It was founded to reward individuals who had contributed to the development of agriculture and industry in Portugal. It was abolished in 1910 following the establishment of the First Portuguese Republic but was later revived in 1926. It had been reformed in 1962, 1986, and 1991.