(Ordem Militar de Sant'Iago da Espada). Instituted 1175. Type III. 1918-Present. In silver gilt, a full-length collar chain consisting of alternating twenty-two links, twelve finely enameling green laurel wreaths with blue ribbons and ten Order’s insignia enameled in red, green, and white, each link with one loop on either end and linked together via single loop chain, each of the twenty-two links has plain reverse, approximate length chain 355 mm; accompanied by the badge of the collar, consisting of a nicely enameled red St. James cross flanked by an enameled green palm wreath, with a white enameled ribbon inscribed SCIENCIAS, LETRAS E ARTES (Science, Literature, and Arts) on the base, plain reverse, measuring 50.79 mm (w) x 102 mm (h - inclusive of ring suspension), presenting multiple maker’s mark of Pinhão M, a Portuguiese jewelry from the mid 20th century, with minor enamel and toned silver, otherwise set in extremely fine condition.
Footnote: The Military Order of Saint James of the Sword was first established in Spain in the 12th century. In the 13th century, the Portuguese Knights of the Order divorced themselves from the Spanish order with the confirmation of Pope John XXII in 1320. In 1789, it was secularised by Queen Mary I. It was reformed again in 1862, disbanded in 1910 following the establishment of the First Portuguese Republic, and re-established in 1918. Since 1862, it has been conferred upon Portuguese and foreigners citizens in recognition of merit in the fields of science, literature, and the arts.