France Defense of Belfort Commemorative Medal Franco-Prussian War 1870 1871 by Bartholdi

FRANCE: Commemorative medal for the 
Defenders of Belfort during the Franco-
Prussian War of 1870 -1871. 
Rare example, signed by Bartholdi (designer 
of the Statue of Liberty of New York and 
Paris). Only 6000 medals were awarded and 
only 1000 of them were produced by 
Bartholdi.
The medal was awarded in 1910 by the City 
of Belfort to the French forces who 
defended the city during the Fanco- 
Prussian War. 
The city (which was defended by 17.700 
French but with only 3500 troops),  was 
besieged for 103 days by the Prussian Army 
(40.000 regular troops). 
More than 5000 of the defenders lost their 
lives but the city surrendered only after the 
armistice between France and Prussia was 
signed. 
The Franco-Prussian War of 1870 was fought 
between the 2nd French Empire and the 
German states led by the Kingdom of 
Prussia.
After a series of German victories (Battle of 
Sedan, Siege of Metz), Emperor Napoleon III 
was captured, the 3rd French Republic was 
declared, the French army was decisively 
defeated and the Germans besieged and 
entered Paris. 

FULL SIZE

Franco - Prussian War 1870 1871 

Item 100% original - ribbon original

Condition as on the photos
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