Vatican, Papal State. An Order of Pius IX, Grand Cross Set

A fine set consisting of a large hollow sash badge in silver gilt, presenting an eight armed blue enameled star with gilt fan clusters in each quadrant, centre obverse with PIUS IX in Golden lettering on white enameled background, surround with blue lettering with Virtuti et Merito ("Virtue and Merit"), reverse centre with a white enameled field presenting Anno 1847 for Pius IX, measuring 65.7 mm (w) x 72.5 mm (h - inclusive of integral ring), worn on a blue and red sash (similar but incorrect for the order), enamels intact on the obverse, reverse enamel repair near the edge of the disc, light gilt loss, remains very fine.

Accompanied by the star of the order, in silver, consisting of a large blue enameled eight armed gilt cross, clusters of silver rays in each quadrant, obverse centre with PIUS IX in Gold lettering on white enameled background, surround with blue lettering with Virtuti et Merito ("Virtue and Merit"), reverse centre with Anno with Roman numerals for 1847, vertical pin on the reverse, measuring 75 mm (w) x 76 mm (h), near extremely fine.