The obverse of the cross shows the effigy of Philippe-le-Bon upon a sky-blue ground, with the legend: 'Si Deus nobiscum, quis contra nos?' (If God be with us, who is against us?) while the reverse gives the Hessian arms, with the legend: 'Ludovicus II. Magn. Dux Hessæ instit.' (Founded by Louis II. Grand Duke of Hesse). (Plate 43, Tab. II. No. 7).
The Knights of the Grand Cross wear the decoration by a ribbon across the shoulder, and the star (No. 6) upon the breast.
The Commanders, of both classes, wear it by a narrow ribbon round the neck, but those of the first class wear besides upon the left breast, the embroidered cross. (Tab. IH. No. 8). The Knights wear it in smaller size suspended by a ribbon at the button-hole.
Except on solemn occasions, the Knights of the Grand Cross, when they also possess the same degree in the Order of Louis, wear the present cross round the neck by a narrow ribbon.
DECORATIONS OF HONOUR.
1. Military Service was founded on the 26th December, 1833; it consists of a cross, for officers, of gold, and for subofficers and privates of silver. The front shows the letter ' L,' with a crown above it, and the reverse the words: 'XXV. Jahre treuer Dienste' (Twenty-five years' loyal service). (Tab. II, No. 5). It may, therefore, be claimed only after twenty-five years active service. The cross is worn upon the left breast suspended by a red and white ribbon. The years of campaign count double. Since 1839, a similar cross for fifty years' service has been introduced.
2. Decoration for Field Service was founded on the 14th of June, 1840, for all military grades; it consists of a medal cast of
