(Neshaan-e shir o khorshid). Instituted in 1808. IV Period (post 1872) Lion and sun insignia painted on a silver disk, the centrepiece ring in silver with red and green enamels, six-pointed star base in frosted silver, each star point with five emanating rays, with three small emanating rays between each star point, measuring 67.5 mm (w) x 76.5 mm (h), with loop, intact enamels, scattered frosted silvering wear on the base, very light contact, replacement full-length neck ribbon, near 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 is abbreviated as KLS, for Knight of Lion and Sun and was senior to the Order of the Crown. It was issued in five grades. I Class Knight/Dame Grand Cordon, II Class Knight/Dame Grand Officer, III Class Knight/Dame Commander, IV Class Knight/Dame Officer, and V Class Knight/Dame Companion. It was formerly issued in the grade of Knight Grand Cross with Collar.