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

(Orden Philipps des Großmütigen, Komturkreuz in Gold). Instituted 1 May 1840 by Grand Duke Ludwig II. (1849-1918 issue). Constructed of 14K Gold with multi-coloured enamels, consisting of a Cross Pattée with white enameled arms, the obverse bearing a central blue enameled medallion overlaid by a raised and leftward-facing profile of Landgrave Philip I, situated within a white enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “SI DEUS NOBISCUM QUIS CONTRA NOS” (“IF GOD IS WITH US THE WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?”), the reverse bearing a central blue enameled medallion, overlaid by a raised Hesse lion rampant executed in red and white enamels, situated within a white enameled ring bearing a gilt inscription of “LUDOVICUS II MAGN. DUX HASSIAE INSTIT” (“INSTITUTED BY GRAND DUKE LUDWIG II OF HESSE”), the twelve o’clock arm topped by an eyelet and ribbed suspension ring retaining a period original shortened length of neck ribbon, unmarked, measuring 48.31 mm (w) x 52.78 mm (h), weighing 17.0 grams, demonstrating minor flecking to the enamels, a superb and jeweller-quality example in extremely fine condition.