The Imperial Order of Saint James of the Sword (or Imperial Ordem de Sant’Iago da Espada in Portuguese) was an honorific order of the Empire of Brazil established on 9 September 1843 and nationalized by Pedro I of Brazil after the reform proposed by Dona Maria II of Portugal and recommended by the Judiciary.
While the Portuguese Order of Saint James of the Sword (on which this Brazilian one is based) was offered to people who made advancements in science, literature, and art, the Brazilian counterpart was reserved exclusively for military personnel (especially of Pedro I and his son Dom Pedro II).
The Imperial Order of Saint James of the Sword was canceled as a national order by the interim government of the United States of Brazil on 22 March 1890. Since then, it continues to be awarded by the Heads of the Orleans-Braganza house, and the Petrópolis and Vassouras branches of the Imperial family dispute its Gand Mastership.
Classes of the Order of th Sword
The Imperial Order of Saint James of the Sword has the following classes:
- Grand Cross (Grã-Cruz)
- Commander (Comendador)
- Knight (Cavaleiro)
