Hesse-Darmstadt, Grand Duchy. A Rare Order of Philip the Magnanimous, Commander’s Cross with Swords in Gold

(Orden Philipps Großmütigen, Komturkreuz mit Schwertern). Instituted 1 May 1840 by Grand Duke Ludwig II. (1849-1918 issue). Constructed of Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with white enameled arms, pierced through the centre by Gold double-sided crossed swords, the obverse with a central blue enameled medallion bearing a leftward-facing Gold profile of Langrade Philip I, within a ring of white enamel bearing a gilt inscription of “SI DEUS NOBISCUM QUI CONTRA NOS” (“IF GOD IS WITH US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?”), the reverse bearing a central blue enameled medallion bearing a red and white 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”), the twelve o’clock arm topped by an integral loop connecting to a ribbed suspension ring which retains a shortened period original length of ribbon, unmarked, measuring 48.42 mm (w) x 52.46 mm (h), weighing 19.1 grams, moderate chipping and cracking is visible to the enamel of both sides of the central enameled rings, with additional minor flecking visible to the enamel of the arms which includes a slight crack to the reverse twelve o’clock arm, a rare example of this award in overall better than very fine condition.