(Ordem Militar de Sant'Iago da Espada). Instituted 1175. Type III. 1918-Present. In silver gilt, consisting of a chain composed of twelve finely enameled red, green, and white badges of the order, alternating with twelve delicate green enameled bow-tied laurel wreaths, including hook-backed clasp at the neck joining the two ends together, measuring 750 mm in length, accompanied by the badge of the collar, consisting of a pleasant enameled red St. James cross surrounded by an enameled green palm wreath featuring a white enameled ribbon depicting the inscription SCIENCIAS, LETRAS E ARTES (Science, Literature, and Arts), suspended by enameled a green laurel wreath, measuring 50.70 mm (w) x 101.70 mm (h - inclusive of laurel suspension), with plain reverse, minor lost of enamels, with toned silver in the reverse, extremely fine.
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 arts.