Markus

This is a 2nd class breast star by Austrian maker C.F. Rothe in Vienna Austria. The firm was founded in 1830 by Christian Friedrich Rothe. Rothe has long been the most noted jeweler in Europe and made insignia for many countries around the world. In addition to making all the Austro-Hungarian orders and all the German States, Rothe made orders for the following countries: Tunisian Nichan Iftikhar, Chinese Double Dragon, Persian Lion and Sun, Papal St. Gregory, Swedish Vasa, Turkish Osmanie, Netherlands Lion, Montengrin Danilo, Italian Crown, the Spanish order of Charles III and many others. The silver work on this medal is exceptional. I am guessing that the painting on the enamel was silk screen printed onto the enamel since the consistency of the paintings from one medal to the next doesn't vary.

I believe this is a Dutch officer with Lion & Sun badge.

Now here is a Russian made jeweled lion and sun made with paste stones that didn't break the bank when it was sold in a Swedish auction house. Sold for 4200 KR or about $618 US. This is closer to what these type orders should sell for! :love:

Close up of the CF Carlman medallion.

Here is a VERY RARE maker for the Lion and Sun order. CF Carlman, a Swedish order maker founded in 1855. CF Carlman is famous for making high quality Swedish and Norwegian orders. This medal was sold in a Swedish auction. The only time I have seen this maker for Lion and Sun. The Swedish were very involved in providing police officers and training to Persian in the Qajar era.

This Lemaitre made set is one of my favorite sets as well. Incredible workmanship and very unique! That oversized medallion on the 2nd class badge is just a killer. Some one got very lucky being able to buy this badge set and at $3000 US, quite a bargain! Thanks for posting all these latest gems! Markus

The Russian made medals seem to have a simpler depiction of the sun without a lot of facial details. The sash looks pretty new to me!

An interesting 4th class badge with components missing with a beautiful Lion and Sun painting. Has a few broken tips repaired poorly. I have seen a few of these early pieces with what appears to be resin applied rays giving them a rather primitive finish.

Here is a beautiful jeweled Lion and Sun medal currently up for auction on the Bene Merenti Medals Auction. The back.

Here is a beautiful jeweled Lion and Sun medal currently up for auction on the Bene Merenti Medals Auction. a close up of the front.

Here is a beautiful jeweled Lion and Sun medal currently up for auction on the Bene Merenti Medals Auction. "Persia Sun- and Lion Order for civil person and foreigners 1. class sash badge. Silver the arms with a jour set strass-stones 179 white and 20 green ones medallion with fine enamel work high vaulted ring closed on ready to wear sash. VPI2 S. 124. 79 x 83 mm584 g. Piece of best quality and great appearance. Without any hallmarks. The piece in lot no. 737 of the collection Professor Tammann that got auctioned by UBS in November 2008 was of similar production as it was also quiet large and had no markings. But it was possible to get it assigned to the company Arndt Paris / St. Petersburg. Most likely of around 1880 where the goldsmith master Samuel Samuilovich Arndt (1812-1890) was company leader." Estimate €5,000 - €10,000 + 24% commission Starting Bid €5,000 ( It is interesting to note than the Tammann piece #737 in auction 80-UBS went for 6,250 Swiss Francs or about $6834 US. The Tammann piece was a 2nd class Breast star covered with paste stones as well.) http://www.liveaucti...ersonen-und-aus</p>

Thanks Nick! Yes the breast star has the same makers plate. My wallet is still bleeding! :o

Close up of the sash badge medallion.

The Halley Sash badge, which I believe is a second class badge.

The Halley makers plate on both the 1st class breast star and the sash badge.

A close up view of the medallion.

A new arrival. A 1st class Halley Breast star with makers plate on the back with address, 143 Galerie de Valois, Palais-Royal, placing the manufacturing in the 1852-1870 era. This was the address of the firm during the reign of Napoleon III. Halley is one of my favorite makers having the best quality medals. The firm was taken over and changed name to Octave Lasne around 1900.

Thanks Nick! I knew you had the answer since you are quite the scholar! When they became purely decorative, they must have held at least some cigars. Their uniforms were quite nicely designed and were most distinctive. Markus

In this portrait the Persian officer looks like he is wearing every class of the Lion and Sun order he earned working his way up through the ranks.

LOL! Here is a question I would like answered, not knowing the Cossack uniforms very well. The little pockets along the breast areas that look like they are stuffed with cigars...what in the world are they?

Another Qajar portrait. In addition to a nice effigy medal, he has five order of Lion and Sun medals.

A closer up view of the medals. In addition to the Lion and Sun medals we have Order of Art and Science, Turkish order of Mejidjie and Romanian order of the Crown.

Another Persian Cossack portrait. The guy on the far right should get an award for having the most impressive mustache!

Wow Nick what a treasure chest of bling bling! Can you send me the links to this auction archive? The Russian made bling bling medals look better quality than the Persian made ones. Markus

Very nice Nick! An amazing early piece. Spada sure does have some of the best pieces. Thanks for posting. Markus