Prussian Two-Place Miniature Medal Bar – 1870/71 Franco-Prussian War

An exquisite example of Imperial German craftsmanship, this miniature medal bar commemorates the foundational conflict of the German Empire: the Franco-Prussian War. Featuring both the Iron Cross and the War Commemorative Medal, this highly detailed "buttonhole" style arrangement is a prime candidate for a high-end veteran’s civilian display or a specialized miniature collection.

The Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871) was the pivotal conflict that led to the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership. Veterans of this campaign were the elder statesmen of the Imperial German military era. These miniatures, often called "Prinzengross" or dress miniatures, were privately purchased by officers and NCOs to be worn on formal civilian attire or mess dress. They represented the wearer’s participation in the siege of Paris and the numerous hard-fought battles that birthed the Second Reich.

• The Iron Cross 2nd Class (Left): A precision-detailed miniature of the 1870 Iron Cross. It features the blackened core with silver-toned ribbing, a crowned "W" cipher, and the "1870" date clearly visible on the lower arm.
• The 1870/71 War Commemorative Medal (Right): A gilt-finished cross pattée. The center medallion displays the "1870/1871" dates surrounded by a wreath, with the reverse showing the crowned royal monogram of King Wilhelm I.
• Ribbons & Mounting: The awards are suspended from authentic silk ribbons—the black and white of the Iron Cross and the vibrant multi-colored ribbon of the campaign medal. The ribbons are elegantly "bowed" and secured by a fluted gilt horizontal slider.
• Reverse: The reverse features a large, plain gilt button or "stud" mounting, designed to be passed through the buttonhole of a formal coat.

The miniature bar is in exceptional condition. The gilt finish on the commemorative medal remains bright, and the blackening on the Iron Cross core is remarkably intact without the common "spidering" or rust often found on full-sized examples. The silk ribbons are strong and retain their original period colors with only the slightest softening of the edges. The buttonhole mounting remains securely soldered and functional.

This piece is a classic example of high-quality late 19th-century German jeweler’s work. It has been meticulously preserved as part of a specialized collection of Franco-Prussian War awards.