Awards of Germany - Order of Philip the Magnanimous Knight's Cross 2nd class with swords

The order was established on May 1, 1840 by Grand Duke Ludwig II. First in 4 classes. Grand Cross, 1st and 2nd Class Komtur, Knight. In 1849, the Silver Cross of the 4th class was established, as well as swords. In 1859, the class of knights was divided into 1st and 2nd classes. Philip depicted the first form of the order as a whole figure. The second form of the order depicted the landgrave only in the form of a chest portrait. Individual classes were also awarded swords through the center. From 1893, the awarding of swords was to be combined with military merit. Nevertheless, extradition of civilians was possible. Another expansion was the award of a crown from 1881, and a crown and swords for all classes. The last expansion occurred in 1900 with the foundation of the Cross of Honor, which takes place between Komtur 2nd class and Ritter 1st class. Knightly crosses of the 1st class are made of gold, 2nd class - of silver with superimposed gold or silver gilded medallions. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. I, 1997.

Silver cross with slightly figured cross ends. The cruciform arms are bordered in silver and enameled in white. Front and back with a round, gilded and enameled central shield worn. 2 crossed antique swords pass through the center. On the upper cruciform shoulder there is a transversely standing ear with an elongated ring of tape.

Front side:

• A central shield with a wide white enameled ring, a golden border inside and out.
• It bears the gold inscription: - SI - DEUS - NOBISCUM - QUIS - CONTRA - NOS
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• If God is with us, who can be against us?
In
• a closed light blue enameled field, a left-facing gold chest image of Philip.

Downside:

• A central shield with a wide white enameled ring, a golden border inside and out.
• It has a gold inscription: - LUDOVICUS - II - MAGN.- DUX - Hassiae - Institut.-
In
• a closed light blue enameled field, an erect Hessian lion striding to the left.

Tape:

• red 37 mm wide, side stripes light blue 3 mm.

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