Vatican, Papal State. A Scarce Order of Pius IX, III. Class Knight, Type I, in 18kt Gold, c.1860 consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac Taprell Dorling

Taprell Dorling

The peak of the helmet has a first pattern NSKK-style German national eagle

in a leather presentation folder with snap closure

over a light-grey wool backing

Vatican, Papal State. A Scarce Order of Pius IX, III. Class Knight, Type I, in 18kt Gold, c.1860 consisting of a blue enamelled Romanian Cross with clusters of nine gilt rays in eac Taprell Dorling(Ordine di Pio IX). Instituted June 17th, 1847. Type I (c. 1860). A scarce award of extremely fine jeweler craftsmanship, in 18kt Yellow Gold, consisting of a dark blue enameled 8 pointed star with rays of sun emanating from the center of the award between the arms of the cross, the obverse with a circular central white enameled medallion inscribed Pius IX, surrounded by a Gold ring inscribed with Virtuti et Merito (Virtue and Merit), the reverse of