(Ordem de Cristo). An enameled white red-framed four armed cross in 18kt Gold, surmounted by an enameled symbol of the Heart of Christ, double-sided design, measuring 13.80 mm (w) x 27.60 mm (h - inclusive of integral ball), suspended by original ribbon, fine piece in near mint condition.
Footnote: The Military Order of Christ has a long and convoluted history closely related to Portugal and the Catholic Church. Its origins lie on the dissolution of the Templar Order by Pope Clement V in 1312, therefore the Portuguese crown was encouraged to create a new order -the Order of Our Lord Jesus Christ- to protect the properties and domains of the Knights Templar in Portugal; the Order is considered direct heir of the Templars in Portugal.

