Vatican, City State. An Order of Pope Pius IX, Grand Commander Star, c.1900

(Ordo Pianus or Ordine Piano). Instituted in 1847. Multi-piece construction, insignia in silver with blue and white enamels, mounted to an eight-pointed star base, measuring 62.5 mm (w) x 64.2 mm (h), dual prong pinback, frame damage and chipping in the blue enamels on the star point at 10:30, surface wear and fine chipping in the white enamels on the centrepiece, very fine.

Footnote: The Order of Pope Pius IX also referred as the Order of PIus, is a papal order of knighthood founded on June 17, 1847 by Pope Pius IX. Since November 1993, it has been granted to women. Although the Order was founded by Pope Pius IV in 1560, the awarding of the order fell into disuse and was re-instituted by Pope Pius IX as a continuation in 1847. It is awarded for personal services to the Pope and the Papacy. The highest rank awarded by the Pope is the gold Collar of the Order, awarded to heads of state on the occasion of official visits to the Holy See. The Grand Cross is the highest Papal award given to lay men and women, often given to Ambassadors accredited to the Holy See after two years in post as well as exceptional Catholics in the wider world for particular services, mainly in the international field and for outstanding deeds for Church and society. The next rank is that of Knight (and now Dame) Commander, to whom the Star (the same as worn by the Grand Crosses) may be given as a higher distinction. The lowest rank is that of Knight or Dame. It is awarded to Catholics and non-Catholics and, on occasion, to non-Christians.