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Bonhams auction. A first class breast star with paste stones circa 1880, French made. The medallion looks like a Lemaitre painting. The sun has a nice hair piece, which is pretty rare and early example. Hammered at $11,055.

Bonhams auction. A circa 1890 Russian made Breast star with paste stones, military division. The medallion looks Persian made. Eight pointed star would suggest 1st class star. Hammered at $8,422 US.

Bonhams auction. A circa 1900 British made breast star by Walker and Hall in Sheffield England. Most Unusual a rare piece. Hammered at $2,613.

Bonhams circa 1880 Lion and Sun with paste stones, Austrian made. Hammered at $9,648 US.

Bonhams circa 1860 Russian made 2nd class Breast star with paste stones. Hammered at $3,819 US.

Bonhams Auction, circa 1870 French made 2nd class Breast star with stars. Medallion definitely looks like a Halley made. Hammered for $11,055 US.

Bonhams Auction. A very unique Lion and Sun thought to be Russian made. Gorgeous Medallion painting! Circa 1820 with screw back plate. This medal is also from the former Robert MacNarmara collection. Hammered at $12,060 US.

Another Jeweled piece in the Bonhams auction with a medallion that is rather typical of Persian pieces. This one appears to be also withdrawn from the auction. This piece also had diamonds, emeralds and rubies. Estimate was for $19,000 to $24,000 US.

A very early piece Lion and Sun with diamonds, rubies and emeralds, at Bonhams auction. This piece appears to have been taken off the bidding schedule. Circa 1820 also formally in the Robert MacNamara collection. Estimate was from $24,000 to $32,000US. The painting is rather incredible with a praise worthy mustached lion.

A recent auction by Bonhams had some great Persian medals. This is a very early Lion and Sun medal circa 1820 according to Bonhams. Was in the MacNamara collection. Hammered at $6,030 US.

I think that at one point the Russian military and the Persian military were so intertwined due to strong economic and military relationships, that Russians received standing Lion and Sun as well, and were treated as Persian military personnel. Whole brigades of Russian military were stationed in Persia. Russia has always had strong and interesting relationships with Persia and Iran. The Russian made Lion and Sun were abundant and beautiful, especially the jeweled ones. I just wish they were easier to acquire. Great thread Nick, thanks for all this documentation of the Russian history with the Persian Lion and Sun order!

Very amazing! Love the family photo! They draft the soldiers so young! Lol!

What eye candy! I saw that piece also. You have excellent screen capturing technique since the software displaying it didn't allow saving the photos! Love this maker! Thanks for posting!

A very nice Early Bertrand piece. See post #16, I have the same type in my collection and it has an early Bertrand mark stamped on the ring. These early Bertrand's certainly are nice and very distinctive!

Hi Nick, I think this beauty has been posted before. See post #262 and # 267 of this thread. The box is an order of the Aghdas and it looks like the top is missing. See post # 100 this thread. A real beauty!

Thanks Nick for that beauty! I love the lion painting! He looks like is on something with his wild bulging eyes! Lol! Very rare type!

He certainly looks very young for being 150 years old! So many posers out there inflating their crazy egos with fake titles. Thanks for posting 922F, quite an entertaining article!

Hi Michael, Congrats on your Bertrand Lion and Sun. These early types that have hand painted medallions are so beautiful and quite a bit rarer than the later made Bertrand Lion and Sun which had a silkscreen type painting method. The old hand painted fat cat is one of my favorite Lion & Sun paintings! First image is old type and second image is the newer type silk screened lion painting.

Great additions Nick!

More images from the HK Auction.

Wow what a treasure trove! Thanks JCWater, Gavin and Nick for these links! I grabbed a couple of screen captures, since it will be a shame to lose them when the links go dead.

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing! The box is really nice also and in great shape. Great photos as well. Congratulations!

Thanks Radmilo! Nice portraits. It certainly is fantastic that you have a direct connection with your Grandfather serving in the Serbian military with honors. The miniature set in the book certainly is nice with beautiful Serbian orders and the Persian L&S. Set by CF Rothe was of the highest quality.

This is a Boullanger 2nd Class Lion and Sun breast star with the stars affixed between the rays. Most likely Lemaitre made.