Vatican, Papal State. An Order Of Pius Ix, Iii Class Knight, C.1845 Auction with a two pronged silver

with a two pronged silver SS on ribbon

under the arch is a Savoyard knot

making this order extremely rare

In stamped steel painted blue with smooth field

consisting of an eagle and a cockade

Vatican, Papal State. An Order Of Pius Ix, Iii Class Knight, C.1845 Auction with a two pronged silver(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)