(Ordem do Mérito Naval). In bronze gilt with blue and white enamels, illustrating the Portuguese Navy coat-of-arms which incorporates a fierce dolphin within an open-ended wreath, a ribbon banner at the wreath's base inscribed "TALANT DE BIEN FAIRE" and surmounted by the naval crown, backed by crossed swords, mounted to a cross base, measuring 52.8 mm (w) x 59 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, suspension loop with a floral motif, intact enamels, on its original full-length neck ribbon, extremely fine.
Footnote: The Portuguese Navy is the naval branch of the Portuguese Armed Forces which, in co-operation and integrated with the other branches of the Portuguese military, is charged with the military defense of Portugal. On December 12, 2017, the Portuguese Navy commemorated the 700th anniversary of its official creation by King Denis of Portugal. Tracing its origins back to the twelfth century, it is one of the oldest continuously serving navies in the world.