Rare Antique Franco-Prussian War Battle of Wörth 1870 Hand-Colored German Military Print

Offered here is a rare antique German military print depicting the Battle of Wörth during the Franco-Prussian War, one of the major battles fought between German and French forces in the opening weeks of the war.

The printed German title beneath the image reads:

“Schlacht bei Wörth, am 6. August 1870.”

Translation:

“Battle of Wörth, August 6, 1870.”

The large battle scene depicts the desperate close-quarters fighting at Wörth, with German troops confronting French infantry, soldiers engaging with rifles and bayonets, wounded and fallen men across the battlefield, mounted troops, massed formations, and heavy clouds of gun smoke in the distance.

The print has particularly attractive period hand-coloring, with muted blues, reds, greens and yellow/gold uniform details applied throughout the otherwise monochrome illustration. The aged paper and subdued coloring give it excellent antique character.

Battle of Wörth – August 6, 1870

The Battle of Wörth, also known as the Battle of Reichshoffen or Fröschwiller-Wörth, was fought on August 6, 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War. German forces under Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm’s Third Army defeated the French I Corps commanded by Marshal Patrice de MacMahon.

The battle became particularly famous for the desperate French fighting and cavalry charges around Fröschwiller and Morsbronn, and the German victory helped force MacMahon’s army to retreat westward.

The fact that this print specifically commemorates the battle and carries its exact date makes it an excellent piece of Franco-Prussian War and Imperial German military history.

Handwriting on Reverse

The reverse retains old German handwritten inscriptions. Portions appear to include:

“Deutschland”
“Gärtnergehilfe” – gardener’s assistant
“bei Hage Schmidt”
“Kunst- u. Handelsgärtnerei” – relating to an art/commercial gardening establishment
“Erfurt”

These old inscriptions add additional provenance and character to the piece, although the exact writer and date of the handwriting are unknown.

Size

Based on the ruler shown in the photographs, this is a substantial antique print measuring approximately 9½ inches wide, with a height of roughly 7½ inches.

Condition

This print is in heavily aged and distressed original condition, which should be carefully noted. There is substantial age toning and discoloration, staining/spotting, numerous edge chips and losses, tears, small holes and considerable deterioration around the perimeter. There is a particularly large area of paper loss along the lower-right edge.

Despite the fragile margins, the primary battle illustration remains remarkably complete, and the printed title “Schlacht bei Wörth, am 6. August 1870” remains clearly readable. The hand-colored details are also still readily visible.

Please examine all photographs carefully for the exact condition.

A fascinating and visually impressive antique German Franco-Prussian War battle print, especially desirable for collectors of the Battle of Wörth, Imperial German military history, French military history, 19th-century battle art and early hand-colored military prints.

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