Imperial Order of the Southern Cross, Dignitary

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 01.BRA.00119.103.01.000

Estimated market value:

$5000 USD

  • Dignitary Obverse
  • Dignitary Obverse
  • Dignitary Obverse
  • Dignitary Reverse
  • Dignitary Reverse
  • Dignitary Details

Estimated market value:

$5000 USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Brazil
  • Composition
    Gold/Enamelled
  • Inscription
    Obv: BENEMERETIUM PREAEMIUM Rev: PETRUS I BRASILIAE IMPERATOR D
  • Size
    60x86mm

Physical Description and Item Details


Grand Officer Badge: Gold with red, light green, emerald green, white, light blue and dark blue enamels, weighing 35.4 grams, hallmarked with a ram's head (indicating Gold and manufactured in Paris, c. 1819-1838) on the fluted integral loop, 59.5 mm x 85.5 mm inclusive of its crown suspension, on its original full-length neck ribbon, chipping evident in the green enamels of the wreath below the crown and in the blue enamels on the centrepiece rings, with crazing present in the white enamels on the arms; and Breast Star: multi-piece construction, a Gold and green enamelled crown at the top, along with a centrepiece in Gold with light blue and dark blue enamels, both insignias mounted to a silver gilt five-pointed star base, unmarked, 85 mm x 97 mm, vertical pinback, dent and chipping evident in the blue enamels on the centrepiece ring. Very fine. https://www.emedals.com/south-america/brazil/orders/a-brazilian-imperial-order-of-the-southern-cross-grand-officer-set-type-i-1822-1890-french-manufactured-attributed-to-count-gustav-heinrich-gottlieb-von-braun

History


The Imperial Order of the Southern Cross (Ordem Imperial do Cruzeiro) was founded by Emperor Pedro I in commemoration of the recent independence of Brazil from the Portuguese crown, and on the occasion of his coronation as the new Emperor of Brazil. The first Order's Knights were accepted the same day.

It was the first Brazilian Order without relation to the Portuguese crown. It was awarded to military personnel of the Brazilian Imperial Army and Navy who significantly served the nation. It was considered the most honorable Order of merit in the country. In order of precedence, it was third after the two ancients military orders.

The grades were Grand Cross limited to 12 members; Dignitary limited to 45 members; Officer limited to 320 members; and Knight.

This Order was abolished by decree on March 22, 1891.

The Order was re-established as the National Order of the Southern Cross (Ordem Nacional do Cruzeiro do Sul) on December 5, 1932 by President Getulio Vargas. It was the first republican Order founded in the country.

The Order is currently awarded to foreign civilians and military personnel for distinguished services to the nation. The new grades are Grand Cordon, Collar, Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight.

In MedalBook, the Order is classified into types. Type I includes the awards of the Imperial Order of the Southern Cross, while Type II includes the awards of the National Order of the Southern Cross, and there is an extremely rare intermediate type granted between 1889 and 1891 by Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca, with a red star in the center of the wreath of tobacco and coffee leaves in the top.

In Type I, the awards are very scarce and have a high cost in the market.

It was awarded to men who fought in the Paraguayan War (1860-1870) and to allied army.

FOR SALE / WANTED

Item For Sale By

Be the first to sell this item

Wanted By

Be the first to request this item

Comments

Sign in to comment and reply.

Scroll Top