Ludwigs Order Knight Crosses

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Ludwigs Order Knight Crosses

One of the rarest Knights Crosses regarding imperial German orders is the knights cross of the Hessian Ludwig Order. From its issue date on, two different classes were awarded, the knights cross 1st class and the knights cross 2nd class. 1912 the knights cross 1st class becomes the so called honor cross, a pin back decoration. The knights cross 2nd class becomes the "normal" knights cross.

The "Hessische Staatshandbuch" 1909/10 issue lists the following actual bearers:

Class	Grand Cross	Commander Cross 1st Class	Commander Cross 2nd Class	Knights Cross 1st Class	Knights Cross 2nd Class	golden Medal	silver Medal
Number	14	-	5	9	14	1	2

See the following decorations:

Knights cross 1st class awarded December 19, 1841, to the later Colonel Bernhard von Linsingen. This extremely early piece is made from red gold. The red cross arm frame is painted onto the black base enamel and glazed for protection. The inscription of the medallion is made of gold foil in a plastic way and glazed also. A typical example for the workmanship at the early 19th century.
See to the right the avers and reverse of a knights cross 1st class made approx. 1880. This piece, as well as the above decoration, is made in perfect workmanship for its time. The cross body is made from red gold, too. The crown however shows a typical two color work. Made from red gold certain areas of the crown were etched to take away the red coloring cooper proportion.
Here is an extremely rare example of the last type of a "normal" knights cross made in 1918, only. This piece is made from gilt silver, but regarding the ranking value of this particular order in an extremely well manner.