Hesse-Darmstadt, Landgraviate. An Order of Philipp the Magnanimous, Knight’s Cross First Class with Swords
(Orden Philipps den Großmütigen, Ritterkreuz 1. Klasse, mit Schwertern). Issued 1849-1919. A silver cross pattee with white enameled arms, with crossed swords between the arms of the cross; the obverse with a central light blue enameled medallion depicting the rightward facing outline of Philipp in gold, surrounded by a white ring of enamels, inscribed “SI DEUS NOBISCUM QUIS CONTRA NOS” (Latin - Is God with us, may he be among us); the reverse with a central light blue enameled medallion with a golden Hessian lion, surrounded by a white ring of enamels, inscribed “LUDOVICUS II MAGN(us) DUX HASSIAE INSTIT(uit)” (Latin - Ludwig II Grand Duke of Hessen); on a double loop for suspension from its correct replacement ribbon; measuring 37.17 mm (w) x 37.04 mm (h); weighing 18.2 grams; in overall virtually mint condition.

