Austria, Karl Troops Cross – VITAM ET SANGVINEM

Zinc based and in a very good, slightly worn condition. On the typical Austrian triangular ribbon.

The Karl Troop Cross was introduced to the army on December 13, 1916 by Emperor Karl I of Austria-Hungary. The requirements for being awarded the cross were at least 12 weeks of service at the front and participation in at least one battle.

The appearance of the Karl Troop Cross is similar
to the design of the Army Cross for 1813/14. The medal has the shape of a cross and is made of zinc. A laurel wreath can be seen between the arms of the cross. In the upper cross arm the words GRATI, in the two middle ones PRINCEPS ET PATRIA and in the lower one CAROLVS IMP.ET REX ((In gratitude ruler and fatherland Karl Kaiser and King).)
On the back in the upper cross arm next to each other the Austrian imperial crown and the Hungarian royal crown. Below that is the letter C ((Carolus).) On the middle arms the inscription VITAM ET SANGVINEM (Life and Blood) and on the lower cross arm the Roman numeral MDCCCCXVI (1916). The award was worn on a light red ribbon with red and white side stripes on the left chest.