Portugal, Kingdom. An Exemplary Conduct Silver Medal By Silva, C.1870

(Medalha de Comportamento Exemplar). Established by the Ministry of War of Portugal in 1863. Type I (1863-1910). In silver, a circular medal engraving a portrait of King Luiz I of Portugal on the obverse, surrounded by the inscription D. LUIZ I REI DE PORTUGAL 1863, the reverse featuring central inscription COMPORTAMENTO EXEMPLAR, circumscribed by two tied laurel branches, as well as the inscription MEDALHA MILITAR on the outsider border, engraver's mark SILVA, measuring 32.78 mm (w) x 35.10 mm (h - inclusive of the screw loop suspension), toned silver, accompanied by original ribbon with rectangular bar, extremely fine.

Footnote: The Exemplary Conduct Medal was established by the Ministry of War of Portugal on October 2, 1863. It was created together with the Military Bons Serviços Medal and the Military Valor Medal as an effort to foster loyalty and unity among the Portuguese Army. They were created by Military Organic Decree, and since then they have been called all together as "Military Medal" (Medalha Militar). Originally, the Exemplary Conduct Medal consisted of three grades; Gold Medal, Silver Medal, and Copper Medal. It is awarded to Portuguese military personnel in recognition of exemplary moral conduct, loyalty, and spirit over a long military career.