Franco-Prussian War Medal 1870/71 with Ribbon

Description: This is an original Franco-Prussian War Medal, awarded to German combatants who participated in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. The medal, struck from captured French bronze cannon, features a central Iron Cross motif surrounded by a laurel wreath, with the dates “1870-1871” inscribed prominently on the front. The reverse side bears the inscription “Dem Siegreichen Heere” (“To the Victorious Army”) beneath the crowned monogram of Kaiser Wilhelm I, symbolizing the triumph of the German forces in this conflict.

The medal is suspended from its original tricolor ribbon of black, white, and red stripes, representative of the national colors of the newly unified German Empire. The ribbon bar, though showing signs of age, retains its original mounting pin, indicating it was worn proudly by a veteran of this pivotal conflict.

Historical Significance: The Franco-Prussian War Medal was instituted on May 20, 1871, by Kaiser Wilhelm I, following the decisive victory of the German states over France, which led to the proclamation of the German Empire in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. This war marked a significant moment in European history, leading to the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership and the establishment of Germany as a major continental power.

This medal was awarded to both combatants and non-combatants who served during the war. The use of bronze from captured French artillery to mint these medals served as a symbolic gesture of victory and national pride. The medal and its ribbon represent the gratitude of the German nation towards those who fought for the unification and strengthening of the German state.

This item is a significant historical artifact, ideal for collectors of German military memorabilia, historians, or anyone interested in the symbols of 19th-century European warfare and the formation of modern Germany.

Description: This is an original Franco-Prussian War Medal, awarded to German combatants who participated in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. The medal, struck from captured French bronze cannon, features a central Iron Cross motif surrounded by a laurel wreath, with the dates “1870-1871” inscribed prominently on the front. The reverse side bears the inscription “Dem Siegreichen Heere” (“To the Victorious Army”) beneath the crowned monogram of Kaiser Wilhelm I, symbolizing the triumph of the German forces in this conflict.

The medal is suspended from its original tricolor ribbon of black, white, and red stripes, representative of the national colors of the newly unified German Empire. The ribbon bar, though showing signs of age, retains its original mounting pin, indicating it was worn proudly by a veteran of this pivotal conflict.

Historical Significance: The Franco-Prussian War Medal was instituted on May 20, 1871, by Kaiser Wilhelm I, following the decisive victory of the German states over France, which led to the proclamation of the German Empire in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. This war marked a significant moment in European history, leading to the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership and the establishment of Germany as a major continental power.

This medal was awarded to both combatants and non-combatants who served during the war. The use of bronze from captured French artillery to mint these medals served as a symbolic gesture of victory and national pride. The medal and its ribbon represent the gratitude of the German nation towards those who fought for the unification and strengthening of the German state.

This item is a significant historical artifact, ideal for collectors of German military memorabilia, historians, or anyone interested in the symbols of 19th-century European warfare and the formation of modern Germany.

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