Vatican, Papal State. An Order of Pius IX, Grand Cross Star Province of China (L'Ordre du Alaouite Chérifien)

(L'Ordre du Alaouite Chérifien)

MILANO” and “O

and pinned with a NSDAP-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed swastika above four rank pips

Fire Brigade Helmet Badge

situated above a date of “1873” and below a dedication in Russian Cyrillic

Vatican, Papal State. An Order of Pius IX, Grand Cross Star Province of China (L'Ordre du Alaouite Chérifien)(Ordine di Pio IX). Instituted June 17th, 1847. In silver gilt, an eight point star of blue rays, with cluster of five faceted undulating rays in each quadrant, the obverse medallion in Gold presenting PIVS IX in white enamel encircled by the inscription VIRTVTI ET MERITO, the reverse presents a single vertical pin, the medallion bearing ANNO MDCCCXXLVII, measures 70. 9 mm (w) x 68. 9 mm (h), weighs 87. 9 grams, marked 925 on the pin and reverse base,