Portugal, Kingdom. A Military Order of Saint James of the Sword, Grand Cross Breast Star, c.1900 Province of China both opening with reinforced rectangular

both opening with reinforced rectangular flaps with reinforced buttonholes meeting pebbled magnetic metal buttons

Footnote: The First Matabele War was fought between 1893 and 1894 in modern day Zimbabwe

the reverse inscribed “Europae Libertate Asserta” and dated “MDCCCXIII-MDCCCXIV”

Silvered bullion wire embroidered onto a red felt base

Only 64 issued

Portugal, Kingdom. A Military Order of Saint James of the Sword, Grand Cross Breast Star, c.1900 Province of China both opening with reinforced rectangular(Ordem Militar de Sant'Iago da Espada). Instituted 1175. Type II. (1862 1910). A lovely star in silver, silver gilt and enamels, featuring a 22 rayed star with clusters of three smooth rays, the central medallion, red enamelled florid cross with laurels on a white enamelled field, with red enamel surround featuring the Motto of the order CIENCIAS, LETRAS, E ARTES (SCIENCE, LETTERS, AND ARTS), with a silver gilt ornate surround, obverse adorned by a