Artist/Maker Kretly (French, founded 1855)

Papal Order of Pius IX, Grand Cross

1847-1910

Place madeParis, France, Europe

Metal, enamel, silk; wood, cardboard, textile

Overall (breast star): 2 3/4 × 15/16 in. (7 × 2.4 cm)
Overall (badge): 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm)
Overall (case): 11 × 5 × 2 in. (27.9 × 12.7 × 5.1 cm)

896a

The Papal Order of Pius IX was established by Pope Pius IX in 1847. It is awarded in four classes. The Grand Cross is the highest Papal award given to lay people. It is also given to ambassadors accredited to the Holy See after two years in the position.

DescriptionBadge and plaque in case. Blue enamel badge of the Papal Order of Pius IX in the shape of an eight-pointed star with inscriptions on both the obverse and reverse of a central medallion. Eight-pointed blue enamel breast star has inscriptions on obverse and reverse of central medallion.

Markingsstamped: Badge: obverse of central medallion; "VIRTVTI ET MERITO/PIVS IX" stamped: Badge: reverse of central medallion;"ANNO MDCCCXLVII" stamped: Breast star: obverse of central medallion; "GRIE MONTPENSIER KRELTY/PARIS" stamped: Case exterior: "GRAND CROIX/PIE IX" stamped: Case interior: "KRELTY/48 PALAIS ROYAL/GRIE MONTPENSIER" typed: On piece of paper in case: "PAPAL Grand Cross Order of Pius IX"

ClassificationsLAPEL DEVICES (PIN-BACK BUTTONS & BADGES)