(فرمان امپراتوری شیر و خورشید). Instituted in 1808. 4th Period (Post 1872), Western Style. In silver with seven green enamelled rays, designating it as II Class (as opposed to a I Class star with eight rays), each star point with five faceted rays, the centrepiece with a painted Lion and Sun insignia, French-made, hallmarked with a boar's head and maker marked "AB & Co" (Arthus Bertrand & Compagnie) on the pin, measuring 89 mm (w) x 91.5 mm (h), vertical pinback flanked by dual stays, dark patina, intact enamels, contact marks evident on the pin only, extremely fine.
Footnote: The Imperial Order of the Lion and the Sun was instituted by Fat’h Ali Shah of the Qajar Dynasty in 1808, to honour foreign officials (later extended to Persians) who had rendered distinguished services to Persia. In 1925, under the Pahlavi dynasty the Order continued as the Order of Homayoun with new insignia, though based on the Lion and Sun motif. This motif was used for centuries by the rulers of Persia, being formally adopted under Mohammad Shah. The order was senior to the Order of the Crown. It was issued in five grades.