Iran, Pahlavi Empire. A Miniature Order Of The Lion And Sun

Of European manufacture, a six-pointed rayed silver star, the rays in groups of seven, on laterally-pierced ball and loop for ribbon suspension, the obverse centerpiece bearing a polychrome lion and a radiant sun, the reverse plain, unmarked, diameter 21 mm, enamels intact, replacement ribbon with rosette, extremely fine. 

Footnote: The Order of the Lion and Sun was originally instituted by Fath-Ali Shah Qajar, the second Qajar emperor of Iran, in 1808. The Order was conferred upon senior government officers and foreigners in recognition of admirable and distinguished service provided to the State. In 1939, Reza Shah Pahlavi replaced the Order with the Order of Homayoun (Order of August). Since its institution, the Order has undergone numerous organizational changes. The Type IV Order was amended under Mirza Hossein Khan Moshir-ed-Dowleh Sepahsalar in 1872. Modifications influenced by Western award systems were made to the Order which reduced the number of classes to 5. Due to the complexity of the award, a lack of information, and changes over time, the regulations of distinguishing award criteria between classes of the Order remain unclear.