Portugal, Kingdom. A Military Order of Aviz Commander's Star, by Da Costa

Instituted in 1162. In silver with white and green enamel, eight-pointed star, with five-quilled arms in between each point, the obverse medallion features a green enameled cross on a white enamel field, surrounded by a gilt wreath, the reverse presents a single pin assembly, makers cartouche of FREDERICO DA COSTA R DE S JULIÃO No. 110, FABRICANTE DE MEDALHAS LISBOA in the center, maker’s mark on the pin, hallmark denoting manufacture in Lisbon with .833 silver fineness, measures 87.8mm (w) x 88.1mm (h), enamels intact, hinge and catch functional, extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Military Order of Aviz was established by King Afonso I as an ecclesiastic Order in the 12th century, but it was later secularized by Queen Mary I in 1789. It was disbanded in 1910 following the establishment of the First Portuguese Republic but was re-established in 1918. The Order was conferred upon military personnel following its secularization and was extended to civilians in the 19th century.