1 - A BRONZE MILITARY MERIT CROSS OF EMPEROR KARL (KARL-TRUPPENKREUZ), AUSTRIA-HUNGARY, 1916

A BRONZE MILITARY MERIT CROSS OF EMPEROR KARL (KARL-TRUPPENKREUZ), AUSTRIA-HUNGARY, 1916 Bronze cross pattée with laurel wreath between the arms, issued by Emperor Karl I of Austria-Hungary during the First World War. The obverse bears the inscription "GRATI PRINCEPS ET PATRIA CAROLVS IMP ET REX" ("The Grateful Prince and Fatherland, Charles Emperor and King"), while the reverse is inscribed "VITAM ET SANGVINEM" ("Life and Blood") and dated "MDCCCCXVI" (1916), surmounted by the imperial monogram "C" beneath two crowns. Suspended from the characteristic triangular Austro-Hungarian ribbon of red with narrow white stripes. Dimensions: 1 3/16 x 1 3/16 in., (3.3 x 3.3 cm.) Condition: Good overall condition with attractive age patina and moderate wear consistent with service use. Ribbon appears original and displays expected age-related wear, creasing, and minor fraying. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All statements contained in the catalog, condition reports, invoices, advertisements, or elsewhere concerning the authorship, attribution, origin, date, age, period, culture, source, provenance, authenticity, genuineness, condition, rarity, importance, or value of any lot are statements of opinion only and shall not be construed as representations, warranties, or statements of fact. All lots are sold "as-is", refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions does not offer in-house shipping. We will provide a list of recommended shippers upon request.