Brazil, Federative Republic. An Order of the Southern Cross, Grand Cross Set

 (Ordem Nacional do Cruzeiro do Sul). Instituted in 1932. Type II. Multi-piece construction, in silver gilt, a five point white enamel Maltese cross with large ball finials, a light green and dark green enamelled wreath of half oak and half laurel leaves between each quadrant, the obverse features a light blue enamelled field with five white stars, the exterior dark blue enamelled ring is inscribed BENEMERENTIUM PRAEMIUM, the reverse medallion features a female bust facing left in silver gilt, surrounded by a blue enamelled ring inscribed REPUBLIC DOS ESTADOS UNIDOS DO BRASIL, the badge is surmounted by another half oak half laurel wreath and connects to the ribbon via an elongated loop bearing a delicate leaf pattern, measures 71.7 mm (w) x 105.3 mm (h - inclusive of wreath suspension and integral), weighs 96.3 grams, worn on full length blue silk sash, enamels nearly intact, remains in very fine condition.

The Star of the Order, in silver gilt, diestamped, a white enamelled Maltese cross with ball finials, between each arm sits several smooth rays, the obverse medallion presents the light blue field with five small white stars organized in the southern cross constellation, surrounded by a dark blue ring inscribed BENEMERENTIUM PRAEMIUM, the reverse offers a vertical pin (missing catch), the cartouche inscribed la royale Rio BRASIL, measures 75.5 mm (w) x 73.6mm (h), weighs 51.29 grams, 11 o’clock ray tips/ball finials have been bent resulting in hairline cracks in the enamel, soldering present on the reverse, in near very fine condition.

Footnote: Born in 1898 in Mexico, Luis Padilla Nervo developed an early passion for politics while studying law at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. His career on the global stage began in 1945, when he signed the United Nations Charter on behalf of Mexico at the San Francisco Conference. Padilla Nervo made history as Mexico’s first Ambassador to the United Nations and served as a member of the United Nations Security Council. In 1951, he reached another milestone by becoming President of the General Assembly during its sixth session. After his time at the UN, Padilla Nervo held several key positions in Mexico’s government, serving in the Ministries of Education, Interior, and Labor. His distinguished career continued with his election to the International Court of Justice, where he served as a judge from 1964 to 1973—becoming only the second Mexican to hold that position. In recognition of his lifetime of achievements, he was honored with the prestigious Grand Crosses from over 30 nations celebrating his enduring contributions to diplomacy, law, and public service.