Vatican, Papal State. An Order Of Pius Ix, Iii Class Knight, C.1845 Auction A limited number of non-commissioned

A limited number of non-commissioned soldiers working as orderlies were allowed in Oflags

Iron Crescent - In silvered bronze and red enamels

making this order extremely rare

under the arch is a Savoyard knot

a Panzerschiff Deutschland cap tally ribbon

Vatican, Papal State. An Order Of Pius Ix, Iii Class Knight, C.1845 Auction A limited number of non-commissioned(Ordine di Pio IX, AKA Ordine Piano). Instituted in 1847. Four piece construction, in 18K Gold with navy blue and white enamels, weighing 14. 3 grams, unmarked, inscribed "PIVS IX" (Pope Pius IX, Papacy: 1856 1878) on the centrepiece, the centrepiece ring inscribed in Latin "VIRTVTI ET MERITO" (Virtue and Merit), the centrepiece backed by eight enamelled star points, with flames appearing between each star point, measuring 42. 8 mm (w) x 48. 3 mm (h)