Order of the tower and sword
The Order of the Tower and the Sword ( pt. Ordem Militar da Torre e Espada ) was founded by King Afonso V of Portugal in 1459. Renewed on May 13, 1808 and given new statutes in 1832, 1917, 1929 and 1962, it is still awarded today by the Portuguese President , who is the Grand Master of the Order.
Order classes
The medal is awarded in five classes:
Order decoration
The decoration is a white enamelled, five-armed cross with a round golden central shield within a blue border. It is studded with balls at its cross points. The obverse showed a sword in an oak wreath . An open book can be seen on the back. The left page of the book is decorated with the Portuguese coat of arms . On the blue border in gold letters the motto Valor, Lealdade e Mérito (bravery, devotion and merits) in front and PELO REI E PELA LEI on the back .
For holders of the knightly class the cross was in silver, for all others in gold. The cross hangs on a tower and is surrounded by a green oak wreath.
Ribbon
The order chain , which is worn exclusively by the Grand Master, consists of towers and swords. The ribbon of all classes is dark blue.
Known porters
literature
- Paul Ohm Hieronymussen: Handbook of European Orders in Color , Universitas Verlag, Berlin 1966
- Arnhard Graf Klenau: European Order from 1700 , Klenau-Verlag, Rosenheim 1978, ISBN 3-921566-05-3