Brazil. A National Order Of The Southern Cross, Grand Officer’s Cross, C. 1950

Type II (1932). In silver gilt, a white enamelled Maltese cross with ball finials, with clusters of seven smooth rays in each quadrant, the obverse medallion presents a blue enamelled field with five white enamelled stars, surrounded by a darker blue enamelled ring inscribed BENEMERENTIUM PRAEMIUM, reverse presents a single pin suspension, maker marked LEMAITRE A PARIS on reverse, measures 74.5mm (w) x 70.91mm (h), measures 64.2 grams ball finial missing from 3 o’clock arm, cracks and loss of enamel from the center medallion, large chip to 5 o’clock arm, catch pinched closed around pin, in better than 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. It was abolished 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.