Portugal, Kingdom. An Order of the Tower and Sword, Grand Collar

Instituted in 1459. Type II. (1833-1917). In silver and enamels, five-pointed white enamel star with tipped finials, surrounded by a green enameled laurel wreath, obverse medallion shows a wreath and sword encircled by a blue enamel ring with the inscription ‘VALOR LEALDADE E MERITO’, reverse medallion shows an open book encircled by a blue enamel ring with the inscription ‘PELO REI E PELA LEI’, on original collar chain composed of 40 icons alternating between 10 wreaths crossed with swords and 10 towers, badge 76 mm (h) x 67 mm (w), chain 86 cm long, evidence of tiny chip on reverse white enamel, extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: The Military Order of the Tower and Sword, Valour, Loyalty and Merit was established as the Military Order of the Tower and Sword in Rio de Janeiro by Prince Regent John, the future King John VI, in 1808. It was instituted in commemoration of the safe voyage of the Royal Family from Portugal to Brazil following the invasion of Napoleon's troops in 1807. The Order was expressly created to reward the non-Catholic British Royal Navy who escorted the Portuguese Royal Family on their voyage; during the Peninsular War (1808-1814), many decorations were granted to military personnel from the British, Spanish, and Portuguese Armies.