Ordem Nacional do Cruzeiro do Sul – Breast Star
Key Information:
• Country: Brazil
• Order: Ordem do Cruzeiro do Sul
• Type: Breast Star
• Period: 20th century production
• Dimensions approx.: 72.34 x 71.98 mm
• Reverse marked: LA ROYALE RIO MADE IN BRAZIL
• Multi-piece construction with functional pin back
Medal Design:
The obverse features a large eight-pointed silver radiating star with white enameled cross arms tipped with gold balls.
The central blue enameled medallion displays five white stars representing the Southern Cross constellation. The surrounding blue enamel ring is inscribed:
“BEMERENTIUM PRAEMIUM”
(Translation: Reward of the Deserving)
The reverse bears the stamped inscription:
“LA ROYALE RIO” “MADE IN BRAZIL”
indicating manufacture in Rio de Janeiro.
Condition:
• Enamel remains vibrant with minor surface wear
• Light age toning to silver rays
• Gilded reverse with handling marks
• Pin and catch fully functional
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
Originally founded in 1822 by Emperor Dom Pedro I as an imperial order, the Order of the Southern Cross continued in modified republican form after 1889 as the Ordem Nacional do Cruzeiro do Sul.
This example, bearing a Rio de Janeiro maker’s mark and English export-style stamping, represents a later 20th century production rather than an imperial 19th century piece.
Breast Stars of this order correspond to higher classes and remain highly collectible among enthusiasts of Brazilian and South American decorations.
Summary:
A substantial and impressive 20th century Brazilian Order of the Southern Cross Breast Star, marked LA ROYALE RIO MADE IN BRAZIL. An attractive and historically important decoration suitable for advanced collections of Latin American orders.