Order of the Black Eagle awarded to Infante Afonso of Portugal, Duke of Porto in 1900

Cross.

Gold, enamel.
Size 80 mm.

Marked of the edge of the lower arm "S.F.S" for S. Friedeberg & Söhne, court jewelers and silversmiths based in Berlin during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The firm is renowned for creating exceptional jewelry, silverware, presentation pieces, and official state orders for European royalty. The firm held the coveted title of Hofjuwelier (Court Jeweler) to the Prussian Royal Family and the German Imperial House (the Hohenzollerns). The firm was originally linked to Salomon Friedeberg (S. Friedeberg) and later driven forward by prominent family members like Heinrich Friedeberg (1819–1885). Heinrich was born in St. Petersburg but apprenticed in Berlin, cementing his first royal appointments with the Prussian princes around 1848. By the mid-1850s, the company was widely celebrated for its masterfully executed silver centerpieces, large candelabras, medallion-set salvers, and intricate pocket watches.​

Breast Star.

Silver, gild, enamel.
Size 97 mm.

Reverse engraved with "W" for Wagner, Berlin. Backplate engraved "H.R.H. Alphonso, Duke of Oporto, Appointed Knight of the Black Eagle May 6, 1900."

Original case.

 

Infante Afonso of Portugal, Duke of Porto (31 July 1865 – 21 February 1920) was a Portuguese Infante of the House of Braganza, the son of King Luis I of Portugal and Maria Pia of Savoy. From 1908 to the abolition of the Portuguese monarchy in 1910, he was the Prince Royal of Portugal as heir presumptive to his nephew, King Manuel II.