Vatican, Papel States. An Order Of Pope Pius Ix, Grand Cross Star, By Godet, C.1910 Hold (4022706 S

(4022706 S

Attributed to Sergeant Leon Deriemaeker

Letter was written by a German prisoner of war at Oran

By official maker of this insignia H

Vatican, Papel States. An Order Of Pope Pius Ix, Grand Cross Star, By Godet, C.1910 Hold (4022706 S(Ordine di Pio IX). Instituted 1847 by Pope Pius IX. A breast star in silver gilt presenting an eight point blue enamel star with clusters of five faceted rays in each quadrant, centre obverse in white enamel bearing PIVS IX, surrounded by silver gilt ring with raised motto in blue enamel VIRTVTI ET MERITO (Virtue and Merit), center reverse bears white enamel cartouche inscribed ANNO MDCCCXLVII (Year 1847), single vertical pin assembly, maker marked