Harper's Weekly December 24, 1870 Crown Prince Iron Cross French Peasant Women Riderless Horses

Title: Harper's Weekly December 24, 1870 Crown Prince Iron Cross French Peasant Women Riderless Horses
​About This Piece of History 🕰️
​This December 24, 1870, edition of Harper’s Weekly serves as a poignant holiday issue, juxtaposing the high military honors of the Prussian High Command with the somber domestic anxiety of the French populace. From the majestic park of Versailles to the subterranean sewers of Paris, this issue documents the grit and ceremony of the final days of 1870. It is a premier artifact for collectors of military decorations, social history, and the iconography of the Franco-Prussian War. 📜✨
​Featured Highlights in This Issue:
​🛡️ The Iron Cross at Versailles (Double-Page Centerfold): A magnificent double-page illustration of "The Crown Prince of Prussia Conferring the 'Iron Cross' Upon a Soldier." Set against the regal backdrop of the Park of Versailles, this print documents the formalization of Prussian military excellence as they prepared for the declaration of the German Empire.
​🏚️ "Anxious Times" (Full Front Page): The front page features a deeply moving full-page illustration: "French Peasant Women Reading News from the Battle Field." This scene captures the civilian experience of war—the tension and heartbreak of waiting for letters or casualty lists from the front.
​🐎 "Riderless Horses": A powerful full-page illustration titled "Riderless Horses Answering the Bugle Call the Morning after a Battle." This haunting image of loyalty and loss is one of the most evocative animal-military allegories of the entire conflict, making it an exceptional candidate for archival framing.
​🔦 Keeping Watch Underground (Supplement): A fascinating full-page illustration from the attached large supplement titled "Guarding the Outlet of a Paris Sewer." It highlights the unconventional battlefields of the Siege of Paris, where guards monitored every possible entrance—even subterranean ones—to prevent infiltration.
​⚔️ Scenes from the Front: * "A Dead Shot": A high-drama half-page illustration capturing the lethality of 19th-century sharpshooting.
​"Scene of a Late Sortie from Paris": A 1/3 page look at the aftermath of a French attempt to break through the Prussian lines.
​🍺 "A Jolly Party of German Recruits": A 1/2 page illustration found in the supplement, showing young soldiers headed to the front with festive spirits—a stark contrast to the grim "Dead Shot" and "Riderless Horses" imagery.
​🇮🇸 The Iceland Expedition: Includes six illustrations continuing the comprehensive series on the rugged landscapes and unique social customs of Iceland.
​🩹 Once More in the Sun: The back full page features a touching scene: "Wounded Soldiers in the Garden of Versailles." It depicts convalescing men enjoying the outdoor air, reflecting the transformation of the palace into a vast infirmary.
​Detailed Condition & Transparency 🔍
​Issue Format: This is the complete 16-page issue from December 24, 1870.
​Large Supplement: This copy includes the attached large supplement, which contains the "Sewer Guard," "German Recruits," and "Riderless Horses" full-page prints.
​Detailed Documentation: I take pride in my transparency and have taken pictures of every single page of this issue. You can personally inspect the fine military details of the Crown Prince's uniform and the emotional expressions of the women on the cover.
​Authenticity: This is a guaranteed original 1870 printing.
​Questions? I am a dedicated steward of these historical documents. I take pictures of every single page so look closely and ask questions! ✉️📸
​Why It’s a Must-Have 🥂
​Military & Phaleristics Collectors: Contemporary depictions of the conferring of the Iron Cross are highly prized for their historical accuracy and ceremonial detail.
​Social History Enthusiasts: The "Anxious Times" cover and "Riderless Horses" print provide a balanced view of the war's impact on both civilians and the animals caught in the crossfire.
​Paris Siege Buffs: The "Sewer Guard" print is a rare and unusual look at the tactical extremes reached during the 1870 investment of the city.
​Custom Framing Available: I offer custom framing for anything purchased in my shop. If you would like the Crown Prince centerfold or the "Riderless Horses" print professionally framed for your study, 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, Iron Cross Prussian Army, Crown Prince Versailles, French Peasant Women War, Riderless Horses Battle, Paris Sewer Siege, Iceland Travel 1870, German Recruits, Wounded Soldiers Versailles, Antique Military Print.
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