Original Item: Only One Available. The Franco-Prussian War or Franco-German War, often referred to in France as the War of 1870, was a conflict between the Second French Empire and the North German Confederation led by the Kingdom of Prussia. Lasting from 19 July 1870 to 28 January 1871, the conflict was caused primarily by France’s determination to reassert its dominant position in continental Europe, which appeared in question following the decisive Prussian victory over Austria in 1866. According to some historians, Prussian chancellor Otto von Bismarck deliberately provoked the French into declaring war on Prussia in order to induce four independent southern German states—Baden, Württemberg, Bavaria and Hesse-Darmstadt—to join the North German Confederation; other historians contend that Bismarck exploited the circumstances as they unfolded. All agree that Bismarck recognized the potential for new German alliances, given the situation as a whole.
This statue, which stands approximately 12” tall, may have been manufactured outside of France, due to the English writing “The Return” at the base. The other examples we have seen are marked with the French wording “Le retour”. The stature itself is in good condition and is constructed of non-magnetic alloy. Unfortunately there is a section of the back of the station which is broken and missing.
Comes more than ready for further research and display.