France: Medal for the Defenders of Belfort 1870-1871 (La Medaille Des Defenseurs de Belfort)

This silver veterans medal was instituted in 1910 by the Council of the Municipality of Belfort, for award to the defenders of Belfort during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871 Obverse bears the iconic 'Lion of Belfort' monument - the largest stone statue in France - designed by the famous French sculptor Auguste Bertholdi (whose most famous work was the Statute of Liberty) and unveiled as a memorial to the defenders of Belfort in 1880 The siege of Belfort lasted 104 days before the defenders were able to retire with full military honours It is estimated that the garrison of Belfort comprised about 17,700 all-ranks, of whom 4,750 were killed, along with 336 civilians. The Germans lost about 2,000 men during the siege Note: Apart from awards of the Legion D'Honneur / Medaille Militaire for specific acts of distinguished service, there was no official campaign medal awarded for the Franco-Prussian War until the creation of the commemorative medal instituted in 1911 The original stitched silk riband fitted with a contemporary safety pin for wear, and as issued to veterans A scarce and desirable 'Battle' medal Condition: GVF