Franco-Prussian War 1870–71 Prussian Despatch Case With Campaign Cards

This object is identified as a Prussian Franco-Prussian War period despatch or souvenir case containing printed “Kriegs-Depesche vom Kriegs-Schauplatz” cards dating to the 1870–1871 campaign. The leather-covered case bears a centrally mounted Iron Cross motif dated 1870 and gilt-stamped lettering referencing the war years 1870–71, clearly situating it within the Franco-Prussian War period rather than the First World War.

The case is constructed of stiffened board covered in brown pebbled leather, with a hinged spine and a metal clasp closure on the right edge. The front cover is decorated with gilt tooling framing the title and a mounted blackened Iron Cross with crown, “W,” and “1870” date, applied directly to the cover surface. The leather shows heavy but even period wear, surface scuffing, edge losses, and softened corners, consistent with age and handling. The spine remains intact, and the clasp hardware is present.

Inside, the case contains multiple compartments holding printed Prussian despatch cards. These cards are printed with the Prussian eagle and crown at the top and titled with sequential numbers such as “92ste Depesche,” “107te Depesche,” “122ste Depesche,” and “142ste Depesche,” each labeled “vom Kriegs-Schauplatz.” The text references official military or police communications and is dated to late 1870 and early 1871, with locations including Berlin and references to the Königliches Polizei-Präsidium. The cards are held in place by original paper or fabric retaining bands. Additional loose cards are present in the left interior section, indicating this was an actively used or assembled set rather than a purely decorative piece.

Historically, such cases relate to the intense public interest in official war news during the Franco-Prussian War, when despatches from the front were printed, circulated, and sometimes collected as keepsakes. Items like this bridge the gap between official military communication and civilian home-front engagement, reflecting how news of battles and troop movements was disseminated and preserved. The prominent Iron Cross imagery ties the piece directly to Prussia’s wartime identity and the symbolic emergence of German national unity during this conflict.

For collectors, this is a highly evocative piece combining original wartime ephemera with a purpose-made presentation case. Complete Franco-Prussian War despatch sets are uncommon, and examples retaining multiple original cards in their period case are particularly desirable. This item appeals strongly to advanced collectors of Prussian militaria, Iron Cross history, and Franco-Prussian War material, as well as those interested in wartime media and communication.

Condition is good overall for its age. The leather case shows significant but honest wear, edge abrasion, and surface scuffing. The Iron Cross mount remains firmly attached. Interior lining shows age toning and wear. The despatch cards exhibit edge wear, rounding, light staining, and handling marks, but remain legible and intact. No modern replacements or repairs are evident.