Franco-Prussian War Commemorative Medal 1870–1871 – Unmarked Bronze Issue

This is an authentic German Franco-Prussian War Commemorative Medal, awarded to soldiers of the victorious German forces following their defeat of France in the 1870–1871 campaign. This example is struck in bronze and retains the original full-length imperial tricolor ribbon in black, white, and red, which represented the North German Confederation and the soon-to-be-proclaimed German Empire.

Unlike earlier variants, this medal does not feature the “AUS EROBERTEM GESCHÜTZ” text around the rim, which was present on early medals made from captured French cannon bronze. While this version is still struck in bronze, it likely represents a later wartime or postwar production intended to meet demand as awards were distributed across the vast, newly unified German forces. These unmarked medals are still highly collectible as original period pieces and remain faithful in design and symbolism.

The obverse bears a radiant Iron Cross behind a laurel wreath, enclosing the campaign dates “1870 1871.” The reversedisplays the crowned cipher of Kaiser Wilhelm I (“W”) with the inscription:
“Gott war mit uns, Ihm sei die Ehre” (“God was with us, to Him be the glory”)
and beneath: “Dem siegreichen Heere” (“To the victorious army”).

This example shows crisp detail and honest age with a pleasing bronze patina and vibrant original ribbon.

Historical Background:

The Franco-Prussian War was fought between July 1870 and May 1871 and stands as one of the most decisive military campaigns in modern European history. It pitted the forces of the French Empire under Napoleon III against the rapidly mobilizing German states led by Prussia. The conflict saw swift and crushing German victories at Wissembourg, Spicheren, Gravelotte, and most notably Sedan, where Napoleon III was captured along with his army.

Following the Siege of Paris and the fall of the French government, the German Empire was officially proclaimed in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles on January 18, 1871. This moment marked the culmination of Bismarck’s efforts to unify Germany and changed the balance of power in Europe for decades to come.

Instituted by Kaiser Wilhelm I on May 20, 1871, the campaign medal was awarded to all German military personnel who participated in the war effort. While early medals were struck from captured enemy artillery, later bronze examples like this one continued to honor the same service with identical imagery and design, but without the rim text.

Dimensions: Approx. 30mm in diameter; ribbon approx. 100mm
Material: Bronze
Edge: Unmarked (no rim inscription)

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