Portugal, Kingdom. An Order Of Agricultural Merit, I Class Grand Cross Star, C.1900

(Ordem do Mérito Agrícola). Instituted in 1893. Type I (1893-1910). Insignia in silver gilt with white and green enamels, with seven stars in silver gilt and green enamels placed between the star points on the insignia, surmounted by a crown in silver with seven alternating red and green enamelled jewels in its base, mounted to a silver nine-pointed star base, each star point with five emanating rays, with a single emanating ray between each star point, maker marked "FREDERICO G. DA COSTA / R. DE S. JULIÃO Nº 110 3º / FABRICANTE DE CONDECORAÇÔNES LISBOA" on the reverse cartouche, measuring 76.3 mm (w) x 90.8 mm (h), vertical pinback, the centrepiece ring having been turned ninety degrees counter-clockwise versus its original position, the ring itself exhibits chipping, crazing and repair in the white enamels around "AGRICOLA", otherwise the enamels are intact, near extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Merit was instituted as two separate orders: the Order of Agricultural Merit and the Order of Industrial Merit by King Charles I on June 4, 1893. They were founded in order to reward individuals who had contributed to the development of agriculture and industry in Portugal. They were abolished in 1910 following the establishment of the First Portuguese Republic but were later revived in 1926. They were reformed in 1962, 1986, and 1991.