Vatican, Papal State. An Order of Pius IX, Grand Cross Set Auction and with a hollow insertion

and with a hollow insertion slot set into the latter retaining both a functional push-button spring release and original red wool insert

including very crude local ones fabricated in bronze

Constructed of a bronzed zink alloy

Juli 1944)

Vatican, Papal State. An Order of Pius IX, Grand Cross Set Auction and with a hollow insertionA fine set consisting of a large hollow sash badge in silver 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 white enameled field presenting Anno 1847 for Pius IX, measuring 65. 7 mm (w) x 72. 5 mm (h inclusive of integral ring), worn on