Iran, Pahlavi Empire. An Imperial Order Of The Lion And The Sun, Iv Class Officer Case

(Neshaan-e shir o khorshid). Instituted in 1808. Hardshelled design on both the lid and base with a maroon pebbled exterior on all sides, wooden-framed, the Lion and Sun insignia surmounted by the Pahlavi crown in gold-coloured ink on the lid, the inside lid and base lined in black felt, push release closure, measuring 74 mm (w) x 139 mm (h) x 36.5 mm (d), extensive wear and scuffing evident on the exterior and along the lip on both inside lid and base, scattered wear spots in the black felt lining on both inside lid and base, poor to fair.

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. It was issued in five grades.