1870–1871 Franco-Prussian War Commemorative Medal

Original Preußische Kriegsdenkmünze 1870/71 (Prussian War Commemorative Medal) awarded to combatants who took part in the 1870–71 campaign that created the German Empire. Struck in bronze (traditionally “from captured cannon”), suspended from the combatants’ ribbon of black with narrow white edge stripes and a central red stripe. A classic, honest example with the correct Prussian legends and crisp dies.

Estimated period: 1871–mid 1870s
Metal: bronze (warm yellow-brown tone)
Diameter (approx.): 29–30 mm
Ribbon: black/white/red combatants’ type; extra-long length, frayed at the top (period or early replacement).
Suspension: original round ring, properly closed.

Design & full English translation

Obverse: Large cross pattée (Iron Cross form) with radiant beams between the arms; within a laurel wreath the dates “1870 / 1871.”

Reverse: Crowned “W” cypher of King Wilhelm I at center, inside a beaded ring with the dedication “Dem siegreichen Heere” — “To the victorious army.”
Around the outer rim the Prussian motto “Gott war mit uns, Ihm sei die Ehre.” — “God was with us; to Him be the glory.”

(As requested, full English translations have been provided for every inscription.)

Identification notes (why this is the combatant Prussian issue)

• Bronze body (non-combatants received a darkened steel version).

• Correct combatants’ ribbon pattern (black with white edge stripes and central red).

• Reverse wording “Dem siegreichen Heere” is the hallmark of the Prussian combatant medal; non-combatant pieces read differently.

• Period round suspension ring and the characteristic die details of the laurel and the crowned “W” match accepted originals.

Historical context for collectors

Instituted 20 May 1871, the medal honored participation in the Franco-Prussian War (July 1870–May 1871). Prussian victory led to the proclamation of the German Empire (Jan. 1871) in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. Combatant medals such as this were worn proudly by veterans through the Kaiserzeit and into the Weimar years; the ribbon’s colors echo the North German Confederation / Imperial war colors.

Condition (conservative grading)

• Medal: Very Good overall. Honest circulation and handling marks with attractive bronze patina; legends and cypher remain clear; no cleaning scratches or edge knocks of concern.

• Ribbon: Good. Sound and supple with age toning; frayed at the top where it was likely removed from a bar; presents well on display.

• Hardware: Suspension ring original and tight; no repairs.

Please review the macro photos for the best read on surfaces and edge.

Research & collecting notes

• Bars for specific battles were sometimes added by veterans’ groups; this example is the unbarred regulation issue, as awarded.

• Many surviving medals today are re-ribboned. This long ribbon shows period weaving and color but is likely an early replacement (length is longer than early court-mounted slips).

• Standard catalog references list this as the Prussian War Commemorative Medal 1870/71, Combatants (bronze); in German collecting shorthand you’ll see “Preuß. Kriegsdenkmünze 1870/71, Kämpfer”.