Portugal, Republic. An Order Of Public Instruction, Grand Cross Star, By Frederico Costa, C.1930

(Ordem da Instrução Pública). Instituted 1927. A multirayed eight-pointed star in silver gilt, obverse centre featuring a central enameled blue eight-pointed star with golden edges also in silver gilt, superposed by two gilt crossed palms leaves, central medallion exhibiting an hand-etched Portuguese coat of arms partially enameled in Gold, surrounded by the inscription INSTRUÇÃO PÚBLICA (Public Instruction), reverse with vertical pinback, maker’s cartouche of FREDERICO COSTA LISBOA, together with maker’s mark on the pin and the catch, as well as Portuguesse hallmark denoting manufacture in Lisbon with .916 silver fineness, measuring 82.75 mm (w) x 82.51 mm (h), with blue enamel flaking on the 6 o’clock arm, presenting loss of gilt, very good.

Footnote: The Order of Public Instruction was established as the Order of Education and Benevolence in 1927. It was founded to distinguish services that encouraged the cause of education and the progress of the country. In 1929, the Order was split into two distinct orders, the Order of Public Instruction and the Order of Benevolence (later the Order of Merit); the Order of Public Instruction retained the original insignia.