Hesse-Darmstadt, Landgraviate. An Order of Philip the Magnanimous, Commander with Swords, c.1914

(Orden Philipps des Großmütigen, Komturkreuz mit Schwertern). Instituted on 1 May 1840 by Louis II, Grand Duke of Hesse. (Issued 1881-1918). An extremely well-preserved example of a Commander’s Cross of the Order of Philip the Magnanimous, presenting as a silver gilt Maltese Cross with white enameled arms, obverse centre medallion featuring a gilt leftward facing bust of Philip I on a bed of blue enamels, surrounded by a ring of white enamels, inscribed “SI DEUS NOBISCUM QUIS CONTRA NOS” (“IF GOD IS WITH US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?”), reverse central medallion depicting a crowned Hessian lion rampant in white and red enamels on a bed of blue enamels, surrounded by gilt inscription with institution date, measuring 49.43mm (w) x 54.43 mm (inclusive of suspension ring), weighing 33.9 grams (inclusive of ribbon), on loop for suspension from its period original bowtie-style ribbon, with minor enamel contact, swords having been late war added, better than very fine.

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.