Brazil, Empire. An Order Of The Rose, Knight, C.1880

(Imperial Ordem da Rosa). Instituted on 17 October 1829. Likely of French manufacture, a knight consisting of a white enamelled six-armed cross with silver gilt framing and ball finials, with three pink enamelled roses on green laurels in each quadrant, obverse centre in Gold exhibiting the hand chiseled cypher of Pedro I in a blue enamelled surround with Motto AMOR E FIDELIDADE (LOVE AND FIDELITY), reverse centre presenting the date 1-8-1820, and legend of PEDRO AND AMÉLIA in blue surround, adorned by a silver gilt elongated Imperial crown with blue and green enamels along the band, partial indecipherable mark on obverse 10 o’clock ball finial, measuring 33.78mm (w) x 59.95mm (h - inclusive of crown adorned by cross), the green enamel has been replaced, as have numerous roses, notable by their low fill and darker pink colour, light gilt wear, worn on a replacement ribbon, fair condition.

Footnote: The Order of the Rose (Imperial Ordem da Rosa) was established in Brazil by Dom Pedro I on October 17, 1829, to commemorate his second marriage with Princess Amélie of Leuchtenberg on August 2, 1829. The Order was awarded to civilians, and military personnel, either Brazilians or foreigners, who distinguished themselves by their fidelity to the Emperor and by services rendered to the state. The grades of the Order were Grand Cross, Grand Dignitary, Dignitary, Commander, Officer, Knight, and Member. The Grand Cross was limited to sixteen bestows; the Grand Dignitary was limited to sixteen bestows; the Dignitary was limited to thirty-two, while Commander, Officer, Knight, and Member were unlimited. The Order was rescinded by decree of General Manoel Deodoro da Fonseca on March 22, 1890. Since then, it has been identified as a House Order.