France 1870-71 Franco - Prussian War Medal.

Franco-Prussian War Medal 1870-1871. Unnamed as issued. Obverse: The helmeted bust of La Republique facing left with 'REPUBLIQUE' on the left and 'FRANÇAISE' to the right. In the lower left quadrant the designers name 'GEORGES LEMAIRE'. Reverse: The dates 1870-1871 above a trophy of arms with a flag, and a tablet inscribed 'AUX DEFENSEURS DE LA PATRIE' (To the defenders of the country). The medal is fitted with a loose ring suspender and a piece of 38 mm green ribbon with four black 5 mm vertical stripes.

Instituted in November 1911 and awarded to those with war service in the Franco-Prussian War between July 1870 to February 1871, in France or Algeria. The medal was awarded to participants who held a combatant's certificate, of which it is believed 150,000 existed.

Code: 1804