German War Commemorative Medal of 1870-1871 (Franco – Prussian war)

An interesting medal from Franco Prussian war and presented by the King of Prussia (Kaiser Wilhelm I) to his troops and civilians. Note that with this medal three versions exist:

– Steel version for Non Combatants
– Version seen here in Bronze for combatants and with edge Stamped lettering
– Version same as seen here but missing the stamped lettering around the rim of the medal.

Curiously the design of the medal went on to form the design of the “frontkampfers kreuz” (War merit cross) of World war One.

Obverse – 1870 1871 within a laurel leaf wreath superimposed over a cross
Reverse – Royal cypher / monogram of Kaiser Wilhelm and immediately below DEM SIEGREICHEN HEERE – The victorious army, surrounded by GOTT WAR MIT UNS IHM SIE DIE EHRE – God was with us, to him the honor
RIM – AUS EROBERTEM GESCHUETZ – From captured Cannons (Not present on all medals and if you encounter the version with inscription expect to pay a little more).