Free SHIPPING!!! Grand Duke Ludwig II. of Hesse-Darmstadt (1777-1848) Founder of the Ludwig Order Grand Duke Ludwig II. of Hesse founded his House and Merit Order in 1807 and awarded it for the first time on August 25, 1807. The order was intended to... publicly honor and honor military and civilian merits, from the highest level down to the lowest." For this purpose, the order was divided into five classes: While the Grand Crosses were reserved exclusively for princes and highest state officials, the 2nd class required the rank of general or privy councilor. The 3rd class was for staff officers, in the 4th class it was sufficient to be a subordinate officer, councilor or official. The 5th class was intended for non-commissioned officers, enlisted men, citizens and farmers. On December 14, 1831, Ludwig II renewed this order with the same class division under the Name: "Ludwig Order". The silver star consists of eight rays, which in turn are formed by seven rays. The central medallion shows the order motto "GOD HONOR FATHERLAND" in gold letters on a black enameled background. The gold-bordered, surrounding ring is silver, on top of which is a gold-framed, green enameled wreath, on the left made of laurel leaves, on the right of oak leaves. You will receive this order as a museum reproduction true to the original. GODE FASCINATION OF COLLECTING Item no. 364-209-1 Careful Packing and Shipping from JMEDALS -Lithuania Good luck!