Germany – (Empire) Prussia, War Commemorative Medal of 1870–1871

Description

This medal is a Kriegsdenkmünze 1870/71, also known as the Prussian War Commemorative Medal for 1870-1871. It was instituted by the Prussian King Wilhelm I on 20 May 1871 to honour soldiers and civilians who took part in the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871).

Description:

The medal for combatants was manufactured from captured bronze cannon barrels. The obverse shows the crowned Royal cypher of William I over the inscription Dem siegreichen Heere (To the victorious army). Inscribed around the edge is Gott war mit uns, Ihm sei die Ehre (God was with us, to Him be the glory).

The reverse shows a cross with rays between the four arms. In the center of the cross is a laurel wreath surrounding the dates 1870 and 1871. On the edge of the medallion is inscribed AUS EROBERTEM GESCHUETZ (From conquered cannon).

Historical Context:

This medal was awarded to soldiers in the armies of Prussia and its allies who participated in the war against France, which resulted in German unification and the creation of the German Empire in 1871.