Emperor Karl 1st of the Austro Hungarian empire, allied to Germany & Khaiser Wilhelm 2nd forming the largest allied empire in Europe at the turn of the century, instituted this medal, German name “ Karl Truppenkreuz” for combatants of front line units who served more than 12 weeks with their units. A popular ww1 medal for collectors, the Austro Hungarian medals are generally much cheaper than their German counterparts & more affordable to new collectors interested in the WW1 period! 

The medal instituted in 1916 & up until the end of WW1 in 1918 is made of zinc & is cross shaped within a wreath. A total of 651,000 were issued throughout WW1 & this medal is in fine original condition with the trifold medal ribbon, standard to most Austro Hungarian awards which distinguishes them from German WW1 medals which are generally standard shape!