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

(Ordine di Pio IX). Instituted June 17th, 1847. Sash badge in bronze 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 field presenting Anno 1847 for Pius IX, measuring 65.7 mm (w) x 68.22 mm, worn on a period blue and red sash, with enamel wear and loss, residue in fanned quadrants; 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 gilt 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 82.73 mm (w) x 82.15mm (h), with enamel loss to obverse and contact, remains fine as a set.