Skip to main content
1988.949.3 a-c; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
1988.949.3 a-c; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
Order of Haft Paykar Award
1988.949.3 a-c; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
1988.949.3 a-c; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
1

Order of Haft Paykar Award

Artifact ID1988.949.3 a-c
Object Type Medal
Gifter
Date ca. 1975
Medium metal, paint, enamel, ribbon, fabric
DimensionsOverall (box) H 10 1/4 in x W 6 1/2 in x D 3 in (26 cm x 16.5 cm x 7.6 cm )
 Overall (pin) Diam 2 1/2 in (6.4 cm )
 Overall (medal) Diam 2 in (5.1 cm )
Physical Description(a) A gold medal features a circular blue center decorated with multiple gold stars outlined by a border of small gold stones against a white background. A crown with red stones is in the center of a gold ornate design that encircles the pendant. It hangs by a small loop from a white ribbon with vertical blue stripes.

(b) A pin features a round blue center decorated with multiple gold stars outlined by a border of small gold stones against a white background. A crown with red stones is in the center of a gold ornate design that encircles the pendant.

(c) A rectangular blue presentation box is lined with white fabric on the interior of the lid, and the bottom is cushioned with ivory fabric.
Historical NoteMohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran, and his wife, Shahbanou Farah Pahlavi, presented this medal to First Lady Betty Ford during their May 1975 visit to the United States. The Order of Haft Paykar, or Order of the Pleiades, was only awarded to distinguished and high-born ladies. First class membership, as bestowed upon Mrs. Ford, was limited to queens and wives of foreign heads of state. The Order was abolished during the Iranian Revolution in 1979.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteA foreign official gifted the item to First Lady Betty Ford during the Ford Administration. It was presented to her and was maintained at the Executive Office of the President until its transfer to the National Archives in 1981 for deposit with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.
National Archives Catalog CollectionGerald R. Ford Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 620931)
National Archives Catalog SeriesHead of State Gifts Given to President Gerald R. Ford (74639696)
Use Restriction Status Unrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Collections