Comments: This very
interesting "Souvenir Historique" was produced to note all
the important French battles and surrenders during the
"Franco-Prussian War". It also lists how the food shortages
severely affected the French diet, particularly during the famous
"Siege of Paris" (19th September 1870 - 28th January 1871).
There is a tiny piece of bread inside, underneath which it says
"300g of this bread after waiting for 5 hours in 12 degrees of cold".
Due to the severe food shortages the Parisians were forced to eat
rats, cats, dogs and even the two elephants "Castor" and
"Pollux" from the "Jardin des Plantes"; who were reported
to be tough, coarse and oily!
It has two light green wax seals inside "Napoleon III" and
"Guillame I" (Wilhelm I) and it is dedicated to all the
"French Martyrs".
The French declared war on the Prussians on the 19th July 1870 ( the
plaque says "Declaration de Guerre 15th Juillet 1870"). This
disastrous war French for the caused the downfall of
"Napoleon III" and the end of the "Second French Empire".
It lasted from 19th July 1870 till 10th May 1871 with the signing of
"The Treaty of Frankfurt" and was instrumental in the
creation of "The German Empire".
I didn't check all the dates but there appear to be some
discrepancies, for example, Metz was surrendered on the 27th October
1870, not the 28th. and all the French forces surrendered at Sedan
by 4.15pm on the 1st September, not the 2nd! Here's a little
research project for someone!
Also see h1294.
To view other images
of this item, please click here:
photo1
photo2
photo3
photo4
photo5 |
