Portugal; Commander Badge (five-piece construction, silver gilt with blue, white and red enamels, hallmarked with a cross on the reverse of the loop, 51.7 mm (w) x 82 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath suspension, original full-length neck ribbon, sticker affixed to the reverse of the wreath inscribed "PLATA 1e LEY"); Breast Star (five-piece construction, silver with blue and white enamels, silver gilt centrepiece ring, hallmarked with a cross on the pin, maker marked "FREDERICO COSTA Lda LISBON" on the underside of the hinge, 63.5 mm (w) x 63.5 mm (h), vertical pinback, sticker affixed to the reverse inscribed "PLATA 1e LEY"); Miniature (two-piece construction, silver gilt with blue and white enamels, 15.5 mm (w) x 24.2 mm (h) inclusive of its wreath suspension, original ribbon, sticker affixed to the reverse inscribed "PLATA 1e LEY"); Rosette (13.5 mm (w) x 13.5 mm (h) silver with blue and white enamelled insignia, mounted to a 17 mm black and yellow rosette, with black finished metal button hole attachment). Intact enamels, extremely fine. In their hardshelled case of issue, Portuguese Republic coat-of-arms on the lid, inside with a raised platform with slotted medal beds for the Breast Star and Miniature, recessed areas at the top and lower right for the Badge and Rosette, lid slightly undulated, case near extremely fine.
Footnote: The Order of Merit is a Portuguese Honourific Order of civil merit, intended to award those responsible for meritorious acts or services performed in the exercise of any functions, both in the public and the private sphere, which reveal self-sacrifice in favour of the community. The decorations are given by the President of the Portuguese Republic, in his role as the Grand-Master of the Portuguese Honourific Orders. The Order of Merit can be awarded, during life or posthumously, to both Portuguese and foreign citizens; it can also be awarded to localities or institutions that are legal persons governed by public law or of public utility. This order has been awarded to a number of people performing the most diverse functions such as ambassadors, business people, military personnel, athletes and musicians. The Order of Merit has its origin in April 1927, when the Order of Instruction and Volunteerism was created. The goal of this now extinct order was to distinguish the services performed by people or corporations in order to further the instruction in the country. In 1929, the Order of Instruction and Benedict was split in two different orders, the Order of Volunteerism and the Order of Public Instruction, with the former now solely awarding acts related to social causes, public assistance and goodwill. In 1976, the order was renamed to its current title. It is awarded in six classes: Grand Cross (GCM), Grand Officer (GOM), Commander (ComM), Officer (OM), Medal (MedM) and Honourary Member (MHM for organizations)..