Portugal, Republic. A War Cross Medal, Ii Class

(Medalha da Cruz de Guerra). Instituted in 1916. In cast silver gilt, unmarked, measuring 41.3 mm (w) x 46.5 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced ball suspension, very light contact, original ribbon, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The War Cross Medal was instituted on November 30, 1916 and is awarded to military personnel and civilians for acts of bravery and deeds performed in wartime. The statute was supplemented in 1946 and 1971, so there are three types of the medal, awarded in four classes: I Class (gold cross and laurel branch on a ribbon), II Class (gold cross on a ribbon), III Class (silver cross on a ribbon) and IV Class (bronze cross on a ribbon).