Iran, Pahlavi Empire. An Order Of The Sun And Lion, III Class Commander, C.1910

(Neshaan-e shir o khorshid). Instituted in 1808. 4th Period (Post 1872). Of local manufacture, a silver six-point star consisting of clusters of five highly faceted rays, each cluster separated by a thin Gold ray with green enamelling likely a later addition to the piece, the obverse medallion presents a hand-painted scene of a couchant lion with a sun peering from behind with a green foreground and yellow background, surrounded by a facetted ring, the reverse is plain but shows small holes with wire holding the Gold rays in place, attached to a sunburst style suspension displaying a central facet with numerous emanating rays, attached to an elongated loop suspension with one line of facets, marked on the suspension bar with a swan punch mark denoting silver composition imported from countries without a trading contact to France since 1893, measures 70.3mm (w) x 111.6mm (h – inclusive of sunburst and loop suspension), weighs 45.7 grams, one Gold and green enamelled ray missing, others loose, chipped and bent, central enamel intact, nice patina, elongated loop of a lighter patina, overall a near very fine decoration.

Accompanied by a correct replacement neck ribbon.

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. The III Class Commander is believed to feature 6 rays and 1 band of silver circlets bordering the centre medallion and is worn from a neck ribbon.