The 1870-1871 Franco-Prussian war ended in Victory for the Prussians and their allies.  Immediately after the war, the German Empire was established.  As is common with military forces throughout the world, veteran organizations were established.   The Prussian Landwehr had achieved a reputation in the war and the veteran's were quite proud of their service.  The Landwehr Verein Königshütte was possibly the pre-eminent of these, with it's roots going back to 1813.  Königshütte is now located slightly south of Warsaw, Poland after boundary changes at the end of WWII.  The medal illustrated is only one of three I've seen in over 50 years of medal collecting.  One of the other examples had a red, white, black bow ribbon with the cross attached.  Another example had a red, white, black bow ribbon with the cross attached to a decorative metallic device and was configured for wearing in a buttonhole.  The 3rd was a loose example.

1870/71 Königshütte Cross

Reputedly made of captured French artillery pieces, the thin bronze cross (ca. 3.31cm wide) obverse has Mit Gott on the top cross, für König und Vaterland across the middle, and 1870/71 on the lower cross.  The reverse has 1813 MIT GOTT on the top cross, für König und Vaterland 1870/71 across the middle, and LANDWEHR VEREIN KÖNIGS=HÜTTE A/S 1886 on the lower cross.  The suspension is a small bronze loop welded to the cross at the 12:00 position with a bronze suspension ring through it.   It is not hallmarked.

The 1870/71 Königshütte Cross was presumably awarded to the Landwehr veterans in 1886 by the Landwehr Verein Königshütte.  This particular example has been located in documentation but appears to be the medal part of a further bronze piece (examples can be found with lengthy internet searches).   It is not official nor rare but it is very uncommon (and highly priced in Germany!) and has substantial historical significance.   Any holder of this cross would be entitled to the 1870-1871 Franco-Prussian War Medal.  For those veterans living in March 1897, they were additionally awarded the Prussian 1897 Centenary Medal.   It appears to be very similar to another cross that was awarded to German veterans of the Napoleonic Wars (but this is another topic!).

The Medal collecting is a fascinating hobby - especially for those with an interest in history.  For more information, please visit my other guides or blog http://blogs.ebay.com/tsa-li.  Thanks for viewing!