Brazil, Federative Republic. A National Order Of The Southern Cross, Grand Cross, C.1950

(Ordem Nacional do Cruzeiro do Sul). Instituted in 1932. Type II. Multi-piece construction, in silver gilt, a five point white enamel Maltese cross with large ball finials, a light green and dark green enamelled wreath of half oak and half laurel leaves between each quadrant, the obverse features a light blue enamelled field with five white stars, the exterior dark blue enamelled ring is inscribed BENEMERENTIUM PRAEMIUM, the reverse medallion features a female bust facing left in silver gilt, surrounded by a blue enamelled ring inscribed REPUBLIC DOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DO BRASIL, the badge is surmounted by another half oak half laurel wreath and connects to the ribbon via an elongated loop bearing a delicate leaf pattern, measures 71.5mm (w) x 101.7mm (h – inclusive of surmounting wreath), weighs 88.0 grams, worn on a full length sash badge showing discolouration and overall wear, ribbon has been cut leaving badge to be tied on (hook is no longer attached), small enamel chips in arms of cross, light crazing, wear to silver gilt, in overall extremely fine condition. The Breast Star in silver, a white enamelled Maltese cross with ball finials, between each arm sits several smooth rays, the obverse medallion presents the light blue field with five small white stars organized in the southern cross constellation, surrounded by a dark blue ring inscribed BENEMERENTIUM PRAEMIUM, the reverse offers a single vertical pin suspension, measures 74.8mm (w) x 72.46mm (h), weighs 62.2 grams, cracking and crazing on three of the five arms, light gilt wear, reverse medallion missing, in very fine condition.

Footnote: The Imperial Order of the Southern Cross (Ordem Imperial do Cruzeiro) was founded by Emperor Pedro I in commemoration of the recent independence of Brazil from the Portuguese crown, and on the occasion of his coronation as the new Emperor of Brazil. This Order was abolished by decree on March 22, 1891. The Order was re-established as the National Order of the Southern Cross (Ordem Nacional do Cruzeiro do Sul) on December 5, 1932 by President Getulio Vargas. It was the first republican Order founded in the country.