Lot 502:
Austro-Hungarian Karl Troop Cross, 1916
Sold for: $75
Description
An Austro-Hungarian Karl Troop Cross, dating to 1916. Fashioned as a dark patinated metal cross with splayed arms, resembling a Maltese cross, encircled by a relief wreath. It is suspended by a plain ring from a vertically striped grosgrain ribbon, folded into a triangular mount, predominantly red with narrow off-white or beige stripes. The obverse of the cross features a crowned ‘C’ at its center, with “VITAM ET SANGUINEM” (Latin: “Life and Blood”) inscribed horizontally across the lower arms and “MDCCCXVI” (1816) at the bottom. The reverse displays “GRATI” (Latin: “Grateful” or “Thanks”) at the top, “PRINCEPS ET PATRIA” (Latin: “Prince and Fatherland”) horizontally across the center, and “CAROLVS IMPETREX” (Latin: “Charles the Commander/Ruler” or “Charles, she who obtains by asking”) at the bottom.
Condition report:
Good antique condition. The metal cross exhibits significant surface wear and dark oxidation. The grosgrain ribbon shows localized discoloration and slight fraying, consistent with age and use.
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