Military Order of Christ

Breast Star 80x65 mm., Silver, chiseled and pierced rays, super- imposed with a further, golden star with polished beams, of a smaller diametre, white enameled centre medallion bearing the Order’s Cross in gold and enamels with chiseled details, within florally-decorated outer circlet, also made of gold and enamels, the whole surrounded by a silver border, chiseled with a stylized pattern of leaves, on top, the red enameled Sacred Heart, gilt, polished reverse, with slightly concave counter-medallion, bearing the maker’s escutcheon of Da Costa, Lisbon, vertical, double pin. An uncommonly beautiful, excellently-made star from the 2nd half of 19th Century, excellent condition and a beautiful patina. I