(Ordine di Pio IX). Instituted 1847. A fine set consisting of an enameled blue eight-pointed star in silver gilt, presenting clusters of seven wavy rays in each quadrant in bronze gilt, centre obverse with gilded inscription PIUS IX, on a white enameled background, encircled by a gilded border with black lettering VIRTUTI ET MERITO ("Virtue and Merit"), circumscribed by a beaded silver edge, plain reverse bearing a central medallion with inscription ANNO MDCCCXLVII, measuring 65.84 mm (w) x 66.11 mm (h), suspended by original full-length silk sash with bow, with minor black enamel loss, otherwise extremely fine. Accompanied by the star of the order, consisting of an enameled blue eight-armed star in silver gilt, with clusters of polished silver rays in each quadrant, obverse centre with inscription PIUS IX in gilt lettering, surrounded by a gilded border inscribed VIRTUTI ET MERITO ("Virtue and Merit"), in black lettering, reverse centre featuring central medallion inscribed ANNO MDCCCXLVII, measuring 75.73 mm (w) x 76.22 mm (h), with minor toned silver, reverse centerpiece slightly detached, otherwise extremely fine. The set is contained within an original hard-shelled red case, with gilded impressed details and a central Vatican coat of arms, interior lid with maker marked of A.Casazza Via S. Chiara 30, ROMA, on white silk, recessed medalbed, measuring 135 mm (w) x 65 mm (h) x 274 mm (l), with functional hinge and catch, extremely fine.
Footnote: This Order was re-established by Pope Pius IX to commemorate and honour the obsolete Pian Order (Ordine Piano) founded in 1560 by Pope Pius IV. The Order was, and continues to be, awarded to Catholics and non-Catholics in recognition of meritorious service to the Catholic Church, and humanity in general. In 1994, the Order was amended to allow female recipients.