Vatican, Papal State. An Order of Pius IX, Officer in Gold, c.1900 Heer. A Flak/Artillery Hauptmann’s Service Tunic featuring crossed arrows in each

featuring crossed arrows in each quadrant also in bronze gilt

an early J1 variant in extremely fine condition

with its packet of issue (ripped along the entire left side of the packet)

with the expected contact marks but limited surface wear

comprising Breast Star and Neck Badge

Vatican, Papal State. An Order of Pius IX, Officer in Gold, c.1900 Heer. A Flak/Artillery Hauptmann’s Service Tunic featuring crossed arrows in each(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