Franco-Prussian War Commemorative Medal 1870–1871 – With Rim Text “Aus Erobertem Geschütz”

This is an original 1870–1871 German Franco-Prussian War Commemorative Medal, issued to soldiers of the victorious German coalition following the defeat of France. This example retains its full-length black, white, and red imperial ribbon and features a bronze planchet struck from captured French artillery—a fact explicitly confirmed by the raised rim text:
“AUS EROBERTEM GESCHÜTZ” — “From Captured Cannon.”

This inscription around the edge sets this medal apart from later or commemorative issues and was a powerful symbol of victory. Each medal was cast from the bronze of French cannons taken in battle, transforming the weapons of the enemy into awards for the victors. This was not only a statement of military success but also a deeply symbolic gesture of German unity and national pride.

The obverse displays a radiating Iron Cross surrounded by a laurel wreath, with the dates “1870 1871” at center. The reverse bears the crowned cipher “W” for Kaiser Wilhelm I, encircled by the inscription “Gott war mit uns, Ihm sei die Ehre” (“God was with us, to Him be the glory”) and below: “Dem siegreichen Heere” (“To the victorious army”). The medal remains in very good condition, with crisp detail and a clean edge showing the full rim inscription clearly.

Historical Background:

The Franco-Prussian War (July 1870 – May 1871) was a turning point in European history, leading directly to the unification of Germany. Engineered diplomatically by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, the conflict drew together the North German Confederation and several southern German states into a united military effort against the French Empire.

German forces decisively defeated the French at key engagements such as Spicheren, Mars-la-Tour, Gravelotte, and Sedan, where Napoleon III himself was captured. The subsequent Siege of Paris forced French surrender and led to the signing of the Treaty of Frankfurt. In the aftermath, the German Empire was declared at Versailles on January 18, 1871, in the very heart of defeated France.

The commemorative medal was instituted shortly after the war’s end by Wilhelm I and awarded to all German soldiers who took part in the campaign. Only early, combatant-issued examples like this one bear the rim text “AUS EROBERTEM GESCHÜTZ,” marking it as a piece of France’s own weaponry transformed into a symbol of Germany’s rise.

Dimensions: Medal approx. 30mm diameter; ribbon approx. 100mm long
Material: Bronze (from captured French cannon)
Edge Text: “AUS EROBERTEM GESCHÜTZ”

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