Hesse-Darmstadt, Grand Duchy. An Order of Philip the Magnanimous, Commander’s Cross in Gold

(Orden Philipps des Großmütigen, Komturkreuz in Gold). Instituted 1 May 1840 by Grand Duke Ludwig II. (1849-1918 issue). An exceptionally well-preserved Order of Philip the Magnanimous, Commander’s Cross in Gold, constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with a Gold frame and white enameled arms, the obverse with a central blue enameled disc bearing a gilt and finely-detailed profile of Philip I, within a ring of white enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “SI DEUS NOBISCUM QUIS CONTRA NOS” (“IF GOD IS WITH US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?), the reverse with a central blue enameled disc bearing a raised gilt and enameled Hessian lion rampant, within a ring of white enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “LUDOVICUS II MAGN. DUX HASSIAE INSTIT” (“INSTITUTED BY GRAND DUKE LUDWIG II OF HESSE), unmarked, measuring 49.82 mm (w) x 54.60 mm (h), weighing 21.0 grams, in an overall near mint condition.