Order of Merit (Portugal)

The Order of Merit (pt. Ordem do Mérito ) was founded on January 30, 1929 by the Portuguese President António Óscar de Fragoso Carmona and is awarded to individuals and institutions that have been purchased on the public and social sector services to the Republic of Portugal.

Order of classes

The order consists of five classes:

• Grand Cross ( Grã Cruz )
• Grand Officer ( Grande- Oficial )
• Commander ( Comendador )
• Officer ( Oficial )
• Medal ( Medalha )

Order decoration

The religious character is a goldgerändertes, blue enameled Maltese cross, which is surmounted by a laurel wreath. In resting blue enameled medallion, which is enclosed ( The merit) of a white enamel ring with the inscription BEM merecer, there is a golden five-pointed star. On the back of the coat of arms can be seen that by a blue enameled ring with the inscription REPÚBLICA PORTUGUESA (Republic of Portugal) is enclosed.

Carrying method

The Grand Cross is worn on a sash from the right shoulder to the left hip. Grand Officer and Commander decorate the award as a neck order. The first three classes will also religious character as a cross slot. In the First and Second Class, it is gold plated, the III. Class is silver plated. Officers wear the award with ribbon and a rosette on the left chest.

The ribbon is black with a broad yellow median strip.