The Brazilian Order of Rio Branco; Commander - Silver gilt and enamels, 62 mm x 68.3 mm, on full-length neck ribbon, light gilt wear on the centrepieces, cracking and chipping on three obverse arms, near fine. Accompanied by its 9.5 mm rosette on silver bullion ribbon bar with push pin point, in its hardshelled case of issue, image of the order on the lid, maker marked "H. Stern BRASIL" on the inside white satin lid, navy blue velvet medal bed, scuffed exterior, slightly warped, case fair.   Footnote: The Order was instituted by Law 51410 of February 14, 1962 and its regulations set out in Decree 834 of April 3, 1962. It may be awarded to both Brazilian and foreign nationals and is mainly an award for the diplomatic service, though it is also awarded for service and meritorious achievement in other civil and government fields. The Order is named for José Maria da Silva Paranhos Júnior, Baron of Rio Branco (1845-1912), son of the Visconde do Rio-Branco (1819-1880) who had been Prime Minister of Brazil from 1871 to 1875. The Baron followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a distinguished and successful diplomat and later Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1902 to 1912 and is patron of the Brazilian Foreign Service.