Awards of Germany - Order of Philip the Magnanimous Knight's Cross 1st Class

The Knight's Cross 1st Class shown here is a form awarded since 1849, featuring Philip the Magnanimous as a breast portrait. In 1859, the class of knights was divided into 1st and 2nd classes. Knightly crosses vary in strength and weight depending on production. The weight of flat pieces slightly exceeds 9 g, and thicker ones can reach 13 g. Grand Duke Ludwig II established the Order of Philip the Magnanimous on May 1, 1840. First, he passed 4 classes. Grand Cross, 1st and 2nd Class Komtur, Knight. The first form of the order from 1840 to 1849 depicted Philip as an integral figure. The second form of the order since 1849 depicted the landgrave only in the form of a chest portrait. In 1849, the Silver Cross of the 4th class and swords was established. 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 founding of the Cross of Honor, which takes place between the 2nd class commander and the 1st class knight. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. I, 1997.

Golden cross with slightly figured cross ends. The cross arms are sheathed in gold and enameled in white. Front and back with superimposed round, gold and enameled central shield. On the upper cruciform shoulder parallel soldered ear. A double ring passes through it.

Front side:

• Central shield with a wide white enameled ring, golden burgundy 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 sealed light blue enameled field, Philip's gold breast image peeking to the left.

Downside:

• Central shield with a wide white enameled ring, golden burgundy inside and out.
• It has a gold inscription: - LUDOVICUS - II - MAGN.- DUX - Hassiae - Institut.-
In
• a closed light blue enameled field, a Hessian lion walking to the left.
• The lion is white enameled with red transverse stripes.

Tape:

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

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