Large five-pointed bronze star, each arm with beaded edges and a central ridge, on laterally-pierced ball suspension; the face with an imposed circular central medallion bearing a divided into three parts with the five escutcheons of Portugal (left), the cross of the Order of Christ (right) and waves below imposed on the Portuguese armillary sphere; the reverse with an imposed circular central medallion inscribed ‘DEDICAÇÃO E MÉRITO’ (Dedication and merit) within a wreath of oak and laurel; size 60mm (2¼ inches) across; some age discoloration; on probably original ribbon with plain bar. Research indicates this is a very early life-saving award from the mid- to late-19th Century and is probably an example of that awarded to the famous Patrão (Joaquim) Lopes in 1859 for saving the captain and more than two-thirds of the crew of the French naval ship ‘Stephanie’. The bar indicates a second award of the medal. An impressive example of an early award.
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