Vatican, Papal State. An Order of Pius IX, III Class Knight, c.1845

(Ordine di Pio IX, AKA Ordine Piano). Instituted in 1847. Four-piece construction, in 18K Gold with navy blue and white enamels, weighing 14.3 grams, unmarked, inscribed "PIVS IX" (Pope Pius IX, Papacy: 1856-1878) on the centrepiece, the centrepiece ring inscribed in Latin "VIRTVTI ET MERITO" (Virtue and Merit), the centrepiece backed by eight enamelled star points, with flames appearing between each star point, measuring 42.8 mm (w) x 48.3 mm (h) inclusive of its integral ring, exhibiting chipping and loss in the navy blue enamels on the eight enamelled star points, original ribbon, better than fine.

Footnote: The Order of Pius IX is a Papal order of knighthood, originally 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 on June 17, 1847. It is awarded for personal services to the Pope and the Papacy, in five grades: Grand Collar, Grand Cross, Commander with Star, Commander and Knight. The highest rank awarded by the Pope is the Grand 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 the 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, and since November 1993, it has been granted to women.