(Neshaan-e shir o khorshid). Instituted in 1808. In silver with ten gilt rays, each star point with five faceted rays, handpainted enamelled centrepiece illustrating the lion standing, holding a sword in its right paw and surmounted by a crown which indicates a military division award and issued to royalty, measuring 73 mm (w) x 69 mm (h), vertical pinback, intact enamels on the centrepiece, scattered gilt wear on the rays, 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.

