Harper's Weekly December 10, 1870 Marshal Bazaine Surrender Metz King William Bismarck China Execution

Title: Harper's Weekly December 10, 1870 Marshal Bazaine Surrender Metz King William Bismarck China Execution
​About This Piece of History 🕰️
​This December 10, 1870, edition of Harper’s Weekly provides a comprehensive and gripping look at the final stages of the Franco-Prussian War, documenting the fall of major strongholds and the leaders shaping modern Europe. Beyond the front lines, it features rare global ethnography and a spectacular "meta" look at Bavarian wartime life. This issue is a premier artifact for collectors of military strategy, German unification, and 19th-century global reporting.
​Featured Highlights in This Issue:
​⚔️ The Surrender of Metz: Features a massive large horizontal full-page illustration of "Marshal Bazaine's Army Leaving Metz After the Surrender." This pivotal moment saw the capture of the last major French regular army, effectively sealing the fate of the Second Empire.
​👑 The Prussian Leadership: Two significant 1/2 page illustrations capture the masterminds of the German effort:
​King William I & Count Von Bismarck: A rare, intimate scene of the King at a campfire dictating a dispatch to his legendary Chancellor.
​General Von Moltke: Depicts the brilliant strategist making a reconnaissance directly before the walls of Paris.
​🇫🇷 Life Inside Besieged Paris:
​Front Page: A full-page illustration of volunteers on guard duty at a postern gate.
​The Meat Line: A stark full-page illustration, "Waiting to Buy Meat at a Butcher's Shop," documenting the growing food crisis within the capital.
​Ruins of St. Cloud: A 1/2 page look at the architectural devastation of the war.
​🏰 "War Time in Bavaria" (Double-Page Centerfold): A beautiful and complex centerfold containing several smaller illustrations that provide a rich tapestry of social life and military mobilization in Bavaria.
​🌏 Global Reporting — China: A rare and graphic full-page illustration of the "Execution of a Chinese Criminal," providing a stark look at 19th-century international judicial practices.
​🇮🇸 Expedition to Iceland: Continues the fascinating travel series with three illustrations, including a dramatic view of "Going into the Crater" and "Hecla in the Distance."
​🎨 Thomas Nast Back Page: Features a sharp political cartoon by Thomas Nast, whose work in this era was defining American public opinion.
​Detailed Condition & Transparency 🔍
​Issue Format: This is the complete 16-page issue from December 10, 1870, including the rare attached supplement.
​Detailed Documentation: I take pride in my transparency and have taken pictures of every single page of this issue. You can personally inspect the historic meeting of William and Bismarck and the expansive detail of the Bavaria centerfold.
​Examination: Please look closely at the Bazaine surrender print; the woodblock artistry used to convey the scale of the departing army is exceptional.
​Authenticity: This is a guaranteed original 1870 printing.
​Questions? I am a dedicated partner in your collecting journey. I take pictures of every single page so look closely and ask questions! ✉️📸
​Why It’s a Must-Have 🥂
​Military & German History Scholars: The contemporary depictions of Moltke, Bismarck, and the surrender of Metz are foundational primary sources for the study of the German Empire's birth.
​New York & Political Art Collectors: A complete issue with a back-page Nast cartoon is a staple for any serious 19th-century collection.
​Ethnography & Travel Enthusiasts: The combination of rare Chinese cultural scenes and Iceland expedition prints makes this a diverse and visually captivating issue.
​Custom Framing Available: I offer custom framing for anything purchased in my shop. If you would like the Bavaria centerfold or the Bismarck campfire scene professionally framed, please message me for details! 🏛️
​Shipping & Preservation 📦✈️
​Your piece of history is handled with the utmost care. I use acid-free cellophane and ship the issue flat-packed with stiff reinforcement to ensure it arrives exactly as shown in the photographs. Your order is sent with tracking for your peace of mind. 🚚💨
​Tags (SEO) 🏷️
​1870 Harpers Weekly, Marshal Bazaine Metz, King William I Bismarck, General Von Moltke Paris, Siege of Paris Butcher Shop, China Execution Print, Iceland Hecla Crater, War Time in Bavaria, Thomas Nast Cartoon, Antique Military History.
​