Vatican, Papal State. An Order Of Pius Ix, Iii Class Knight, C.1845 Auction consisting of an eagle and

consisting of an eagle and a cockade

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

making this order extremely rare

Iron Crescent - In silvered bronze and red enamels

before being discharged on January 12

Vatican, Papal State. An Order Of Pius Ix, Iii Class Knight, C.1845 Auction consisting of an eagle and(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)