Portugal, Kingdom. A Military Order of Christ with Miniature.

 (Ordem dos Cavaleiros de Cristo). Instituted in 1318. In silver gilt and enamels, 67.6 mm (h) x 43.2 mm (w), enamel chipping on reverse, very fine. Accompanied by a miniature in silver gilt and enamels, 40.7 mm (h) x 26 mm (w), extremely fine.

Footnote: The Military Order of Christ has a long and convoluted history closely related to Portugal and the Catholic Church. Its origins lie on the dissolution of the Templar Order by Pope Clement V in 1312, therefore the Portuguese crown was encouraged to create a new order -the Order of Our Lord Jesus Christ- to protect the properties and domains of the Knights Templar in Portugal; the Order is considered direct heir of the Templars in Portugal. The Order of Our Lord Jesus Christ was established by King Denis in 1319 as a religious Order under the Cistercian rule to serve the Portuguese crown and expel the Moors from the peninsula. It participated actively in the crusades, the inquisition and the first overseas travels. In fact, it was part of Christopher Columbus's fleet that arrived in America in 1492. 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.