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

Type II (1932-). In Silver gilt, a five armed white enamel cross with ball finials, a half oak leaf, half laurel wreath between the arms of the cross, obverse medallion presents a blue enamel field with five white enamel stars, surrounded by a blue enamel ring inscribed BENEMERENTUM PRAEMIUM, the reverse presents a silver gilt female left facing bust, surrounded by a blue enamel surround inscribed REPUBLICA DOS ESTADOS UNIDOS BRASIL, surmounted by a half oak leaf, half laurel wreath, measures 41.35mm (w) x 64mm (h – inclusive of wreath and integral loop), weighs 28.8 grams, enamels intact, centerpiece slightly loose, light overall wear, 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. 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.