 | ||
The Order of St Philip of the Lion of Limburg (German: "Orden Sankt Phillipps zum Löwen"), is an old order of knighthood established in 1700 by the Counts of Limburg Stirum, sovereign rulers of the counties of the same name in Westfalia. With this order were rewarded persons of exceptional scientific, artistic or civil virtue.
The Order had Grand Crosses, Commanders and Knights.
The jewel of the Order was an eight-pointed Maltese cross with gold balls on the points and four laurel wreaths in the arms of the cross. On the arms are written the letters "H-S-C-W". On the cross is a medallion with a representation of a man.
In 1806 the Counts of Limburg Stirum were mediatized and lost the sovereignty on their counties. However the Order was still expanded in 1838 with gold and silver medals.