Vatican, Papal State. An Order of Pius IX, Officer in Gold, c.1900 Province of China with only slight material fatigue

with only slight material fatigue evident

The interior of the cap is lined in black rayon blended fabric on all sides

wear and light soiling along the open edge of the liner and wear on the chin strap from active use

Over the next couple of decades it became to be called a "Prince Charlie" (PC)

Vatican, Papal State. An Order of Pius IX, Officer in Gold, c.1900 Province of China with only slight material fatigue(Ordine di Pio IX). Instituted June 17th, 1847. A scarce award of extremely fine craftsmanship, in 18kt Gold, consisting of a blue enameled eight 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 the same design, the central