Vatican, Papal State. An Order of Pius IX, Officer in Gold, c.1900 Heer. A Flak/Artillery Hauptmann’s Service Tunic had tried to cover up

had tried to cover up his administrative shortcomings and theft of money

but instead contributed financially to the organization on a month basis towards the work of the SS at their local SS headquarters

featuring eight decorations

featuring crossed arrows in each quadrant also in bronze gilt

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 had tried to cover up(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