Iran, Pahlavi Empire. An Order of the Lion and Sun Case, c. 1940

Neshaan-e shir o khorshid. Instituted in 1808. Hardshelled with a red cloth fabric exterior, Iranian lion in gold-coloured ink on the lid, inscription in blue China marker on the brown kraft paper bottom, Iranian lion stamped in black ink on the white paperette/cotton inside lid, violet velvet medal bed framed by a white cardboard liner, the medal bed with a convex area towards the front end, lift tab closure in copper and bearing an ornate design, measuring 95 mm (w) x 152 mm (h) x 24 mm (d), light soiling evident on the exterior, both white cotton straps supporting the inside lid have separated, a 12 mm wide strip of the violet velvet missing on the right side of the medal bed, 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.