1870-1871 Prussian Franco-Prussian War Parade Mounted Medal – Struck from Captured French Cannons

This original 1870-1871 War Commemorative Medal was issued by the Kingdom of Prussia to recognize the German soldiers who fought in the Franco-Prussian War. The medal holds unique historical significance as it was struck from the bronze of captured French artillery, symbolizing Prussia’s victory over the French Empire. The rim of the medal bears the inscription "AUS EROBERTEM GESCHUETZ" ("From Conquered Cannon"), reinforcing its origins and serving as a testament to the decisive Prussian-led triumph.

The obverse of the medal features the monogram "W" for Kaiser Wilhelm I, topped by the Prussian Crown, and encircled by the inscription "Gott war mit uns, Ihm sei die Ehre" ("God was with us, to Him be the glory"), reflecting the belief that divine providence had favored Prussia’s cause. The reverse displays a Cross Pattée, encircled by a laurel wreath, with the dates "1870-1871" inscribed at the center, commemorating the war years.

This medal is presented with its original black, white, and red ribbon, the colors of Prussia and the North German Confederation, mounted on a period parade bar. The condition of the ribbon and hardware shows authentic age and wear, indicative of a medal that was proudly worn by its recipient.

Franco-Prussian War and the Unification of Germany

The Franco-Prussian War (July 19, 1870 – May 10, 1871) was a pivotal European conflict that resulted in the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership. The war was sparked by tensions between France and the rising power of Prussia, culminating in France declaring war on Prussia. Under the strategic leadership of Otto von Bismarck, Field Marshal Helmuth von Moltke, and Wilhelm I, the Prussian and German allied forces swiftly mobilized and overpowered the French army.

The war’s turning point came at the Battle of Sedan (September 1, 1870), where Emperor Napoleon III was captured, leading to the collapse of the Second French Empire. The conflict continued with the Siege of Paris, where German forces surrounded and bombarded the French capital until its surrender in January 1871. Following the war, the victorious Germans declared the foundation of the German Empire on January 18, 1871, in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, with Wilhelm I proclaimed as the first German Emperor (Kaiser). The war officially ended with the Treaty of Frankfurt (May 10, 1871), which resulted in the annexation of Alsace and Lorraine into the newly established German Empire, setting the stage for long-term Franco-German tensions leading up to World War I.

Award Criteria and Significance

The 1870-1871 War Medal was awarded to all Prussian and allied German soldiers who participated in the war. It was issued in two versions:

Bronze (as seen here): Awarded to combatants, including frontline soldiers and officers.

Blackened Iron: Given to non-combatants, such as medical personnel, civil officials, and logistics support staff.

This medal is not just a military decoration, but a symbol of Prussian dominance and the birth of a unified Germany. The decision to melt captured French cannons into commemorative medals exemplifies Prussia’s military power and the significance of this victory.

With its original parade-mounted ribbon, this historically significant medal is a remarkable artifact from one of the most transformative conflicts in European history, representing German nationalism, military strength, and the dawn of the German Empire.

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