The Cross of Montevideo

Also known as the Star (or Medal) of the 2nd version, here in Gold for officers; bordered cross of Maltese type, flanked by short, pomed cusps and by a thick, chiseled laurel wreath; centre medallion with embossed, laureated head of Dom Joao VI King of Portugal, within outer circlet bearing the embossed text “VOLUNTARIOS REAES DEI REY”; cylindrical, upper loop to which is mounted the horizontal suspension bar; complete with the original, golden, rectangular bar, bearing the raised text “FIDELIDADE VALOR E CONSTANCIA”; the reverse centre medallion, with the embossed inscription “MONTEVIDEO 1822-1823”.
An extremely rare decoration perhaps even rarer in this version, excellent condition.
Dim.: 41,0 x 35,0 mm. I RR!