German Awards - Order of Philip the Magnanimous Silver Cross

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.

Silver cross with slightly figured cross ends. The cross-shaped fringed brackets on the inner sides are finely grainy. Front and back sides with a round middle shield (18 mm). On the upper cruciform shoulder is a soldered transversely standing ear with an elongated belt ring.

Front side:

• Central shield with a wide silver ring. On it is rewriting:
• - SI - DEUS - NOBISCUM - QUIS - CONTRA - NOS -
• If God is with us, who can be against us?
In
• a closed light blue enameled field, a silver chest image of Philip facing the left.

Downside:

• Central shield with a wide silver ring. On it is rewriting:
• - LUDOVICUS - II - MAGN .- DUX - HASSIAE - INSTIT. –
In
• a closed light blue enameled field, an erect Hessian lion striding to the left.

Tape:

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Obverse: Philip the Magnanimous Order of Merit Silver Cross

Reverse: Philip the Magnanimous Order of Merit Silver Cross

Established:

May 1, 1840, Grand Duke Ludwig II.
Silver Cross May 1, 1849, Grand Duke Ludwig III.

Awarded:

1859 – 1918

Data:

• Material: silver/partially enameled
• Size: 32mm
• Weight: about 11g

estimated collector price:

380 – 400 €

OEK Number:

836