440
Commemorative plaque, Inauguration of the Arsenal do Alfeite
Estimate €700–1.200
439
A commemorative plaque
Estimate €100–200
Description
Portuguese silver (833/000).
Corner with applied enamelled pavilion of the Ordem de Avis. Inscription "Ao / Patrono da "1ª Frota de Snipes" / da Ass. Desp. B. N. / Ex.mo Snr. Comodoro / Ortins de Bettencourt / Recordação da inauguração / em 6-VII-945".
Lisbon hallmark in use from 1938 to 1984 and goldsmith's mark of the same period.
With its original case lined in velvet and silk.
(signs of use)
7.5 x 13 cm
106 g
Notes
Manuel Ortins de Bettencourt (1892–1969) was an officer of the Portuguese Navy, having held the highest positions, among them that of Minister of the Navy between 1936 and 1944, that is to say throughout much of the Second World War.
Bettencourt attained the rank of Rear Admiral and, in his long and illustrious career, particular distinction is due to his achievement of having piloted the first non-stop flight to the Azores – of which he was a native.
He was honoured with the highest Portuguese orders, among them the Tower and Sword, Christ and Aviz; as well as foreign ones, having received the French Légion d'Honneur, the Order of the Crown of Italy, the Order of Leopold II of Belgium, the Order of Isabella the Catholic of Spain, and also the Legion of Merit of the United States of America.
Provenance
Heirs of Admiral Manuel Ortins de Bettencourt (1892–1969)
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