Vatican, Papal State. An Order Of Pius Ix, Iii Class Knight, C.1845 Auction under the arch is a

under the arch is a Savoyard knot

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

In stamped steel painted blue with smooth field

making this order extremely rare

upon transfer to the Canadian Expeditionary Force in Canada at Seaford on June 18

Vatican, Papal State. An Order Of Pius Ix, Iii Class Knight, C.1845 Auction under the arch is a(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)