Reconstruction-Pre-World War One Medals
In the aftermath of the American Civil war, the world saw the fall of old powers, the birth of new nations, and the seeds of future conflict sown. Included are medals, and artifacts dedicated to the American Indian wars, the Spanish-American war, the Philippine Insurrection, and some medals from European conflicts such as the Franco Prussian War, and the Italian Wars.
Medal Name: Grand Army of the Republic Medal “GAR”
Reconstruction to Pre-World War I
Date: 1866-1956
Country of Origin: United States of America
Note: Was initially founded in Springfield, Illinois as a fraternity for veterans of the Union Army, Navy, and Marines after the end of the Civil War. The Fraternity dissolved after the death of its last member in 1956.
Medal Name: (From top picture left to right) Battle of Koniggratz Cross, Franco Prussian War Service Medal
Date: 1866 (Konig Cross), 1871 (Commemorative Medal)
Nation of Origin: Prussia
Note: Starting with the Cross, the Battle of Koniggrattz was fought on July 3rd, 1866, and was the climax of the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. It was the largest land battle fought in Europe up to that time, with nearly half a million combatants between both sides. The battle was a disastrous defeat for the Austrian army, and Prussia was not only able to claim victory within the same year, but the German states would continue their fight for unification stronger than ever with Prussian Kaiser Wilhelm I and German Foreign Minister Otto Von Bismarck holding dominant influence over them. The German states would eventually unify in 1871, and would be led by King of Prussia Wilhelm I and now Chancellor Bismarck. The medal on display here is for a veteran of the battle, indicated by the date and name of the battle on the front face of the medal, and implies the recipient was directly involved in the fighting. These medals were also made from the melted cannons of the defeated Austrian Army.
Speaking of the Franco Prussian War, the Commemorative medal was established by the Prussian king in 1871 for those who participated in the conflict, both in Prussia as well as any of the German states. The medal had two distinct types; A bronze version fo those who served in combat, and a steel version for non-combatants. The version on display here is part of a “medal bar”, or a collection of medals all intended for the same recipient. The fact that this person served in the Battle of Koniggrattz as an active combatant, but then in the subsequent war as a non-combatant begs the question of what caused the shift in role. Unfortunately, the recipients name is not present on either medal, so the identity of the person behind these medals is a mystery. What is known is that this soldier would have experienced some of the most consequential moments of European history, such as the downfall of the Third French Empire under Napoleon III, and the eventual surrender of Paris in 1871 after four months of siege and bombardment by German artillery. France lost both the provinces of Alsace and Loraine, and was forced to pay a several billion frank war indemnity. Prussia, and the German states would unify as the German Empire in 1871, and would permanently shift the balance of power on mainland Europe for generations to come.
Medal Name: Prussian Keyffhauserbund Commemorative Badge with 25 year service pin
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