Vatican, Papal State. A Scarce Order of Pius IX, III. Class Knight, Type I, in 18kt Gold, c.1860 certificate_of_authenticity measuring 45 mm (w) x

measuring 45 mm (w) x 102 mm (h)

673 casualties from the war

decorated with laurel and oak leaf designs

Naming is officially impressed on the Trio and in raised lettering on the Plaque

Defence Force Air Supply Badge

Vatican, Papal State. A Scarce Order of Pius IX, III. Class Knight, Type I, in 18kt Gold, c.1860 certificate_of_authenticity measuring 45 mm (w) x(Ordine di Pio IX). Instituted June 17th, 1847. Type I (c. 1860). A scarce award of extremely fine jeweler craftsmanship, in 18kt Yellow Gold, consisting of a dark blue enameled 8 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