In dark gray metal with silver-colored coating, 30.0 mm in height (excl. eyelet), 29.4 mm in width. On original suspension ribbon. The obverse features an inscription in Latin, GRATI PRINCEPS ET PATRIA, CAROLUS IMPET.REX. ("Grateful prince and country, Emperor Karl.) The lettering on the reverse, also in Latin, means "Life and Blood". The 6 o'clock arm has the year of the establishment of the cross, 1916, in Roman numerals. The edge of the 6 o'clock arm of the cross is stamped with the maker's mark "F.A." This is likely to stand for "Fabrik A", in other words made in Vienna.

The medallion is in very fine condition, showing minor loss of silvery coating on both sides. The ribbon appears to be original and is in excellent condition.

Emperor Karl I introduced the Karl Troops Cross (Karl Truppenkreuz) as an award for combatant service. It was available to all ranks and became one of the most issued decorations of WW1.