ORDER OF PIUS IX

Knight’s Breast Badge of reduced size, 25 mm, GOLD, blue enameled 8-pointed star, flanked by stylized, “rounded” flames, white enameled centre medallion bearing “PIVS IX” in golden lettering, within golden outer circlet bearing the black enameled Order’s motto “VIRTVTI ET MERITO”, white enameled, reverse centre medallion, bearing the date of institution “ANNO MDCCCXLVII” in gold, round suspension ring and original, silk ribbon. An early, beautiful and rare piece from mid 19th Century, excellent condition. I R!