Vatican, Papal State. A Cased Order of Pope Pius IX, III. Class Knight, Type I, c. 1880

(Ordine di Pio IX). Instituted June 17th, 1847. (Type I, c. 1880). Constructed of 18kt Gold, consisting of a eight-pointed star with blue enameled arms and with flames emanating from the center of the cross between the arms, with a central circular white enameled medallion inscribed “Pius IX” in gold, surrounded by a Golden ring inscribed with “Virtuti et Merito” (Virtue and Merit) in capitalized lettering, the reverse with a central circular white enameled medallion inscribed “Anno” and dated “MDCCCXLVII”, on a pierced ball and swivel ring for suspension from its period-original folded ribbon, marked by the maker marks of "A. Tanfani & Bertarelli of Rome" on the obverse directly below the pierced ball suspension, measuring 45.7 mm (w) x 50.7 mm (l), weighing 16.07 grams inclusive of its ribbon. Accompanied by a presentation case, constructed of a lightweight wooden core with a red slightly textured faux leather exterior, the interior of the lid lined with a cotton-silk blended fabric embossed with “Forniture Militari - Sudrie - 232 Piazza di Sciarra, Al Corso, Roma” in gilt, with a functional exterior metal hinge, intact dual lid stays, and functional exterior push-button closure, with a raised recessed felt medal bed in blue for secure seating of the award, measuring 65 mm (w) x 135 mm (l), in overall extremely fine condition.