Austria – Cap badge , portrait of Emperor Charles I, 1917

Description

This is an Austrian cap badge (Kappenabzeichen) from World War I, with a portrait of Emperor Charles I and the year 1917.

Motif: Profile portrait of Charles I in uniform.

Text: “KARL I” and “1917”.

Symbolism:

Two Hungarian Stephen’s crowns on either side of the text, representing his role as King of Hungary.

Oak leaf and laurel wreath around the frame, symbolizing strength, honor and victory.

Material: Probably zinc, which was a common substitute material during the war.

The pin on the reverse has been replaced and is not the original.

Historical context:

1917 was Charles I’s first full year of reign after becoming emperor in 1916.

He tried to negotiate a separate peace with the Entente, but failed.

The war was going badly for Austria-Hungary, and the dissolution of the empire was approaching.