Portugal, Kingdom. An Order Of Avis, Commander Star, By Frederico Da Costa, C.1920

(Ordem Militar de Avis). Established around 1175 by King Afonso Henriques. Type II. A multiple-rayed eight-pointed star in silver, the obverse featuring a finely enameled green Cross of Avis in silver gilt, on an enameled white background, encircled by a detailed silver-gilt laurel wreath, the reverse with principal pin assembly, marked by maker’s cartouche of FREDERICO G DA COSTA R DE S JULIÃO No. 110-3, LISBOA, measuring 87.25 mm (w) x 87.35 mm (h), presenting minor loss of gilt and stained white enamel, with toned silver on the tips, otherwise extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Military Order of Aviz was established around 1175 by King Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, right after he took control over the city of Evora. The Order was founded as a military and ecclesiastic Order to protect Evora and fight against Moors invasions in the Peninsula. Originally, it was under the Calatrava's Order rule and followed the Cistercian principles; reason why the Order of Avis was closely related to the Castile Kingdom.