Portugal, Republic. An Order Of Military Merit, I Class Grand Cross Set, Cased

(Ordem do Mérito Militar). Instituted 1946. Sash Badge: in silver gilt with red and white enamels, hallmarked with a "J" on the loop, measuring 54.7 mm (w) x 87 mm (h) inclusive of its tower with integral ring suspension, on its original full-length sash that incorporates a decorative moiré pattern and features a large bow-tie; and Breast Star: four-piece construction, insignia in silver gilt with red and white enamels, mounted to a star base with twenty-two independent arms, each of which incorporates three emanating rays, hallmarked with a "J" on the pin, measuring 71.5 mm (w) x 69.7 mm (h), vertical pinback. Accompanied by a Breast Badge: in silver gilt with red and white enamels, measuring 30.5 mm (w) x 51.5 mm (h) inclusive of its tower with integral ring suspension, with a two-piece insignia in silver gilt with red and white enamels affixed to its original ribbon with pinback; a Miniature: in silver gilt with red and white enamels, measuring 14 mm (w) x 25.2 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring suspension, original ribbon; a Ribbon Bar: two-piece insignia in silver gilt with red and white enamels, mounted to a maroon, white and blue embroidered base, measuring 32.5 mm (w) x 16.5 mm (h), with pinback; and a Stickpin: two-piece insignia in silver gilt with red and white enamels, mounted to a circular head in maroon, white and blue embroidery, measuring 18.5 im diameter, on a 51 mm long pin. Intact enamels, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, navy blue pebbled leather-look exterior, wooden-framed, metal plate affixed to the lid engraved "Mérito Militar / GRÃ-CRUZ" (Order of Military Merit / Grand Cross), inside lid in white simulated-satin and padded, the base exhibiting the same navy blue pebbled leather-look design as that used on the exterior and incorporating a wooden platform in navy blue felt that is slotted for the Breast Star, clasp closure, measuring 170 mm (w) x 290 mm (h) x 51 mm (d), with one of the side supports for the platform in the base having come away from its sidewall position, case also extremely fine.

Footnote: The Order of Military Merit was instituted on May 28, 1946, to be awarded to military personnel who display exceptional military qualities and virtues that merit public respect and acknowledgement, in four classes.