Brazil, Republic. An Order Of Aeronautical Merit, Commander’s Cross, C.1950

(Ordem do Merito Aeronautico). Instituted November 1 1943. A silver gilt crutch cross consisting of four arms with white enamel edges portraying a square swirl design, and a propeller wing in the middle of each arm, the obverse central medallion features a sword with outstretched wings, contained in a blue enamel surround inscribed MERITO AERONAUTICO, the reverse medallion presents a yellow and green enamelled star with a large blue circular center, in a blue enamel surround inscribed REPUBLICA DOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DO BRASIL, suspended from a loop with an outstretched pair of wings, the elongated suspension ring features laurel leaves on each side of a thin solid line, measures 61.63mm (w) X 736.51mm (h – inclusive of integral suspension loop with wings), weighs 81.6 grams, enamel in arms of cross intact, loss of enamel to reverse medallion in the interior blue ring, moderate contact marks evident, suspension loop slightly bent, near very fine condition.

Footnote: The Order of Aeronautical Merit (Ordem do Mérito Aeronáutico) was established by presidential decree on November 1, 1943. It was founded to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the First Flight from the Santos-Dumont airport. In order of precedence, it is the fifth-highest award within the country. It is awarded to recognize Brazilian and foreign Air Force military personnel, and Brazilian or foreign establishments and institutions that have distinguished themselves with exceptional services to the Brazilian Air Force and the country. The commander is limited to 50 recipients.