Portugal, Kingdom. A Pair of Orders & Medals

Portugal, Kingdom. An Order of the Tower and Sword, Knight. 

Instituted in 1459. Type II. (1833-1917). In silver and enamels, five-pointed white enamel star with ball-tipped finials, a laurel wreath between the arms of the star, on laterally-pierced ball and tower suspension, obverse medallion shows a wreath and sword encircled by a blue enamel ring with the inscription ‘VALOR LEALDADE E MERITO’, reverse medallion shows an open book encircled by a blue enamel ring with the inscription ‘PELO REI E PELA LEI’, on original blue ribbon, 52.7 mm (h) x 41.4 mm (w), extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: The Military Order of the Tower and Sword, Valour, Loyalty and Merit was established as the Military Order of the Tower and Sword in Rio de Janeiro by Prince Regent John, the future King John VI, in 1808. It was instituted in commemoration of the safe voyage of the Royal Family from Portugal to Brazil following the invasion of Napoleon's troops in 1807. The Order was expressly created to reward the non-Catholic British Royal Navy who escorted the Portuguese Royal Family on their voyage; during the Peninsular War (1808-1814), many decorations were granted to military personnel from the British, Spanish, and Portuguese Armies.

Portugal, Kingdom. A Medal of Military Merit, IV Class

Instituted in 1946. In silver gilt and enamels, Cross fleury in red and white enamels, miniature clasp of same cross on its original ribbon with pinback, inclusive of tower suspension 52.2 mm (h) x 31.5 mm (w), extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: The Medalha de Mérito Militar (Medal of Military Merit), is a Portuguese military medal created on 28 May 1946. This medal is an award to individuals with exceptional military qualities and virtues. The 'Military Merit Medal' may also be awarded to foreign military personnel.