Vatican, Papal State. A Scarce Order of Pius IX, III. Class Knight, Type I, in 18kt Gold, c.1860

(Ordine di Pio IX). Instituted June 17th, 1847. Type I (c. 1860). A scarce award of extremely fine jeweler craftsmanship, in 18kt Yellow Gold, consisting of a dark blue enameled 8 pointed star with rays of sun emanating from the center of the award between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a circular central white enameled medallion inscribed “Pius IX”, surrounded by a Gold ring inscribed with “Virtuti et Merito” (Virtue and Merit), the reverse of the same design, the central medallion dated “Anno” and dated “MDCCCXLVII” in Gold, on a horizontally pierced ball and swivel ring for suspension from its period original full length ribbon with a hook and loop on the reverse, unmarked, a fine quality and early Type I example of this award, in extremely fine condition.