Iran, Pahlavi Empire. An Order of the Lion and Sun, Commander

 Instituted in 1808. The Badge consists of a six-pointed rayed silver star, the rays in groups of seven, the obverse centerpiece bearing a polychrome lion and a radiant sun, the reverse plain, unmarked, inclusive of suspensions 102 mm (h) x 70 mm (w), enamel chipping, original green ribbon, very fine. Accompanied by the Breast Star in silver with seven green enameled rays, featuring a hand painted centerpiece, unmarked, 76 mm, vertical pinback, very fine. In its hard shelled case of issue, inside lid lined in burgundy satin, with a later addition base insert in burgundy velvet, very fine. 

Footnote: The Order of the Lion and Sun was originally instituted by Fath-Ali Shah Qajar, the second Qajar emperor of Iran, in 1808. The Order was conferred upon senior government officers and foreigners in recognition of admirable and distinguished service provided to the State. In 1939, Reza Shah Pahlavi replaced the Order with the Order of Homayoun (Order of August). Since its institution, the Order has undergone numerous organizational changes. The Type IV Order was amended under Mirza Hossein Khan Moshir-ed-Dowleh Sepahsalar in 1872. Modifications influenced by Western award systems were made to the Order which reduced the number of classes to 5. Due to the complexity of the award, a lack of information, and changes over time, the regulations of distinguishing award criteria between classes of the Order remain unclear.