1 Order of Pahlawi [Nishan-i-Pahlawi]. (1932), Breast star for the 1st and for the 2nd class, manufacturing by Arthus Bertrand in Paris, diam. 94.9 mm, 900/000 silver partly brillanté, partly gilt and enamelled, 147.7 g, with enamel painting, the four crowns on the reverse fixed with 12 hollow rivets, with pin, this with combined silver and manufacturer's hallmark, and with two lateral fixing hooks. BWK3 103. YOU page 157 ff. Very fine-extremely fine.
The two-class (1st and 2nd class) dynastical order was instituted by Reza Shah Pahlavi (1878-1944, reigned from 1925 until 1941) in 1932, as the highest order of the empire, named after the reigning Pahlawi dynasty. The 1st class consisting of a collar with badge, sash badge with sash and breast star, was limited to the male members of the immediate Imperial Family, foreign reigning monarchs and heads of state. The 2nd class consisting of a sash badge with sash and breast star (without collar and collar badge) was awarded to other male members of the Iranian Imperial Family and to crown princes of foreign nations. With the abdication of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi (1919-1980, reigned from 1941 until 1979) in 1979 the order ceeded to exist in Iran, but it is, as a dynastical order, still conferred by the Head of the Pahlawi dynasty, Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi (born 1960).
Referenzwerke:
BWK3 Barac, Borna: Reference Catalogue - Orders, Medals and Decorations of the World Instituted until 1945 - Part III - Silver Book - G-P. Zagreb 2013.
YOU Younessi, Dr. O. James: Orders, Decorations, and Medals of the Empire of Iran - The Pahlavi Era. College Station 2016.