Dolf

Christophe, I don't know much about this, but I've seen some Portuguese brest Badge for the Order of Christ (often with a sacred heart, you can see pics on the site of that guy Yuri Yashnev) for sale here and there, listed as manufactured in France. As for French awards I know even less (meaning nothing at all in fact ) but I remember Jan (vatjan) mentioning some time ago that he had got some variation of some French Medal (unless it was Belgian?!) made in Lybia I believe. Hope he reads this and can confirm or at least help to enlight this issue. Cheers, Dolf

Eric, I for one would be interested in seing them here! You can post them on this thread, no problem at all as far as I'm concerned Thanks, Dolf

Mike, Thank you so very much! Wow! Nice piece! If by any chance you can post a similar draw or pic of the more recent Order of Liberty, which I've also never seen and have no idea how it looks like, I'd be very grateful! Thank you! Dolf

Ed, Despite not being 100% sure, I suppose all Types and Variations have the same screwplate, which is the one shown on pic A 61.1-R, on page 72 of Dr. Battushig's book. At least all mine have the same screwnut! Dolf

Bob, Right As I just mentioned to Christophe, one of the reasons I like these awards. Dolf

Hi Christophe, Small World, cher ami Yes, they are nice indeed. And yes, I also noticed the similarities of many of these awards from this period, in different countries. You know that many of the Portuguese Orders of this epoch were made in France? It also seems that some of the French awards of the same period were made in other countries, apparently not all of them were made in France! I still prefer a serial numbered piece, but these I like them for the design and also of course because it's part of my past, or at least part of my parent's country. Cheers Dolf

Paul, Thanks. Despite the fact of being Portuguese (well, not born in Portugal but still...), these were not (and are still not) my 1st priority, and not my 1st interest, as I started the hobby by collecting Soviet awards then Mongolian (one thing I really love on these is the fact they are serial numbered, therefore much more easy to research and also situate in time), but from time to time when I find a nice one of these Portuguese ones... The War Cross has a quite simple design compared to the Orders, but I agree that it's still a nice piece, most of all for it's Historical meaning. Cheers, Dolf

Indeed, there are two variations of this goldplated gold grade. Here is mine, entirely goldplated, S/N 3003. Dolf

And a closeup of the front: Dolf

Reverse: Dolf

Finally, an old Type of the Order of Christ. There are quite a few Types and Variations of this Order, including a few different brest Badges. Now the Order looks quite different, it's only a cross in red and white enamel, as on the centre of this one. Obverse:

And a closeup of the front: Dolf

Reverse: Dolf

And here are a few pics of the Order of Our Lady of Vila Vi?osa, as this Order is usually called. Obverse: Dolf

Hi Mike, Yes, the Royal Military Order of Our Lady of the Conception of Vila Vi?osa (wow! That's the entire long name of this Order ) is one of the three Dynastic Orders that still belong to the Portuguese Royal House to award. On the contrary of all the others, for which the Grand Master is the President of the Republic, the Grand Master of these three is indeed Dom Duarte, the Duke of Bragan?a. According to the info available on a site it seems that the two others, even thought I've never seen one for sale, are the Royal Order of St. Elisabeth (I've seen a picture of this one on that site) and the Royal Order of St. Michael's Wing (never seen a pic of this one, so don't even know how it looks like! Maybe it doesn't exist anymore). Cheers, Dolf

Hi Eric, Thanks. I see you have two of those I still don't have, even thought I just want the Orders, not the grand collars or the breast Badges. I believe I've seen pics of your pieces on the W-A Forum, right? Cheers, Dolf

Thanks Ed. Will post later each of the Polar Star (wow! that makes 14 pics and I'll have to make scans of a few of them) and the Mother Heroine (wow! 16 pics! + 2 of one not in the Display! these I have scans of all but I'll need the time ) right now it's time for dinner Dolf

Same, reverse, S/N 6319: Dolf

Order of Combat Valor, T2, pinback (this one has the coat of arms of the 1960 type) listed as A 30.1 on Dr. Battushig's book. Obverse: Dolf

Same, reverse, S/N 1096: Dolf

Order of Combat Valor, T1V2 screwback (this variation has 3 rivets and a more concave reverse) listed as A 29 on Dr. Battushig's book. Obverse: Dolf

Same, reverse, S/N 747: Dolf

Order of Combat Valor, T1V1 screwback (this variation has 5 rivets and a more flat reverse; the coat of arms on the obverse is also different of Type 2, this one is the 1941 type) listed as A 29 on Dr. Battushig's book. Obverse: Dolf

Same, reverse, S/N 4651: Dolf

Red Banner of Labor, Type 2 pinback, listed as A 28.1 on Dr. Battushig's book. Obverse: Dolf