Silver Cross with Swords

The Order of Philip the Magnanimous was an Order of Merit established on 1 May 1840 by Louis II, Grand Duke of Hesse. The order was founded on the name day of Philip I, Landgrave of Hesse in his honour as a general order of merit.

The order had initially four classes: Grand Cross, Commander 1st and 2nd Class, Knight Cross.

The design of the order featured a white enameled golden paw shaped cross. The avers medallion showed Philip I over blue enamel encircled by a white enameled golden medallion ring, featuring the orders motto: “Si deus nobiscom quis contra nos”. The reverse medallion shows the red and white striped enameled Hessian Lion over blue enamel encircled by a white enameled golden medallion ring, featuring the inscription: “Ludovicus II Magn. Dux Hassiae instit.” The eight pointed Grand Cross star features the crosses’s avers medallion. The Commander Star resembles the cross in shape and features the avers medallion as well. The 1st design type of the order shows the Langrace in a colorful upright full body position whereas the type after 1849 shows just his bust in gold. The 1st type medallions are oval with a dark blue enamel compared to round ones of the later type also showing a lighter blue enamel.

The ribbon is blue with small red stripes.

In 1949 the Silver Cross was added to the hierarchy. Swords in gold were added for military personal and bravery in the first 4 classes and in silver to the Silver Cross.

In 1859 the Knight Cross was split into 1st and 2n class, leaving the first class in gold, but the 2nd in silver with golden centers. The swords to the 2nd Class were silver with golden hilts.

The order was renamed in 1879 into: “ Grand Duthy’s Hesse Phillips Order”

All classes could be awarded with crowns from 1881 on.

The swords were now only awarded for bravery in combat, 1893. Awards could be made to military personnel and civilians alike.

In 1900 the Honor Cross and single sided pin back cross was added in between the Commander and Knight 1st Class.

The Commander star features golden rays in between the cross arms from 1911 on.