Portugal - Kingdom of: Military Order of Christ, 2nd type (1917-present), a complete Commanders set comprising neck badge with length of ribbon and neck ties, breast badge and matching miniature medal and button hole ribbon. The insignia being all of silver-gilt and enamels. The whole housed in is official presentation case, this bearing the medallists details for Costa of Lisbon. Circa mid 20th Century.
Condition: evidence of use, enamel work in reasonable condition, Good Very Fine, the case a little scuffed with age.
The Order was secularized by Queen Mary I in 1789. At the time of its secularization, the Order was composed of three grades: Grand Cross, Commander, and Knight. In 1807, King João I of Portugal and his court arrived to Brazil right after the Napoleonic invasion of Portugal. As Grand Master, King João I created knights among the new Brazilian royal society and the Portuguese living in Rio de Janeiro. Since then, it was created a new branch of the Order of Christ in Brazil, the latter had its own statutes and grades, in spite of the insignia was very similar to the Portuguese one. The Order of Christ was awarded in Portugal as well as in Brazil during the 19th century.
The Order was disbanded in 1910 following the establishment of the First Portuguese Republic, but it was re-established in 1918. The Grand Officer and Officer were added during the First Portuguese Republic. The Order is currently conferred upon Portuguese civilians and military personnel, as well as foreigners, in recognition of exceptional service rendered to the Republic, or in the government, parliament, diplomatic corps, or civil service. The President of the Republic is the Grand Master of the Order. Since 1917, It has consisted of five grades: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight.