Portugal, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, Grand Officer’s Star, by Da Costa Archive 7 mm (h) inclusive of

7 mm (h) inclusive of its laterally-pierced integral suspension

the battalion was absorbed into the 23rd Reserve Battalion

unmarked however exhibiting the manufacturing characteristics of Steinhauer & Lück

as Second Lieutenant and later as Lieutenant of the Reserve Regiment of Cavalry during the First War

paper packet of issue

Portugal, Kingdom. An Order of Military Merit, Grand Officer’s Star, by Da Costa Archive 7 mm (h) inclusive of(Ordem do Mrito Militar). Instituted 1946. In silver gilt, a star featuring clusters of three smooth rays, the obverse medallion in red and white enamels bearing the inscription MERITO MILITAR, the reverse presents a vertical pin assembly, maker marked FREDERICO DA COSTA LISBOA, measures 73. 7 mm (w) x 74 mm (h), weighs 62. 8 grams, small cracks in the white enamel cross, areas of slight gilt loss, remains near extremely fine.