Vatican, Papal State. An Order Of Pius Ix, Iii Class Knight, C.1845 Newly Listed Picture 9: “Kradschützen (motorcycle mounted

Picture 9: “Kradschützen (motorcycle mounted infantrymen) to the front”

1916 with a strength of 37 officers

Suspended from an 84 mm long gilt chain

Footnote: Bronze by artist: Bill (William) Hadd McElcheran (Canadian 1927-1999) Foundry: Artcast

Vatican, Papal State. An Order Of Pius Ix, Iii Class Knight, C.1845 Newly Listed Picture 9: “Kradschützen (motorcycle mounted(Ordine di Pio IX, AKA Ordine Piano). Instituted in 1847. Four piece construction, in 18K Gold with navy blue and white enamels, weighing 14. 3 grams, unmarked, inscribed "PIVS IX" (Pope Pius IX, Papacy: 1856 1878) on the centrepiece, the centrepiece ring inscribed in Latin "VIRTVTI ET MERITO" (Virtue and Merit), the centrepiece backed by eight enamelled star points, with flames appearing between each star point, measuring 42. 8 mm (w) x 48. 3 mm (h)