Iran, Pahlavi Dynasty. An Imperial Order of the Lion and Sun, III. Class Commander, c. 1920

(Instituted in 1808. IV. Period (Post 1872), c. 1920. Constructed of silver, consisting of a six-pointed star with five multi-faceted quills and green enameled rays between each arm, the centerpiece consisting of a broken, partially intact, hand-painted central medallion bearing a Lion and Sun insignia, the reverse plain, suspended from an ornate half-size suspension and broad longitudinal loop for suspension from its missing neck ribbon, an unmarked example, measuring 69.9 mm (w) x 60.1 mm (l), with approximately half of the central enameled field missing, in overall fine condition.

Footnote: The Imperial Order of the Lion and the Sun was instituted by Fat’h Ali Shah of the Qajar Dynasty in 1808, to honour foreign officials (later extended to Persians) who had rendered distinguished services to Persia. In 1925, under the Pahlavi dynasty the Order continued as the Order of Homayoun with new insignia, though based on the Lion and Sun motif. This motif was used for centuries by the rulers of Persia, being formally adopted under Mohammad Shah. The order was senior to the Order of the Crown, issued in five grades and in a velvet presentation case for high ranking officials or royalty.