Bidspirit auction | ”Duchess of Lafões, Royal Order

”Duchess of Lafões, Royal Order of the Ladies of Santa Isabel. Medal hanging from the silk band, insignia of the new model surmounted by a large unlined crown and suspension ring. On the front, a finely chiseled central oval medallion with the scene of the miracle of roses in high relief, the bottom is chiseled with two enameled figures, within a frame richly decorated with roses and a cherub at the top, with a blue enamelled cartouche at the bottom with the motto “Paupero Solatio” on the back, a medallion; with the monogram “CJ” of Princess D. Carlota Joaquina in the center, and underneath a cartouche with the era of the institution in roman “MDCCCI”, bordered by a blue enamel border (with flaws in the enamel) inscribed “Real Ordem de Santa Isabel”. Gilded silver, dim. with crown and ring, 120x49x12 mm (thickness); Weight 77.5 g (with label, wired and sealed, “Cadaval / Senhor Dom / Miguel I // Exm.ª Senhora / Duchess de / Lafões Inv. 260 / 1835”. Insignia received from the hands of D. Miguel I in July 1830, on the occasion of the baptism of his two daughters, of whom the king was godfather. The Cadaval inventory no. 260 of 1935 is not known. The only known and oldest example of this new type and model, which would later evolve to become a goldsmith's jewel offered to European royal ladies. Of the highest rarity”