Captive balloon (Liberty) Franco-Prussian War of 1870

German Soldiers and Captured Balloon (La Liberté) Siege of Paris, 1870
Period
19th Century
Date
1870–1871
Franco-Prussian War – Siege of Paris
Technique
Original Vintage Photograph
Album print on paper
Subject
Prussian/German soldiers posing next to a captured French military balloon, likely one of the balloons used during the Siege of Paris.

A rare original photograph from the Franco-Prussian War, depicting German soldiers (Landwehr) posing around a French balloon recovered after it crashed in occupied territory.

This image directly illustrates the failure of an attempt to escape or establish air communication from besieged Paris. French military balloons, frequently captured by the enemy, were sometimes dismantled and reused by Prussian troops, notably for making tents.

The presence of German soldiers in uniform, their posed posture, and the staging give this photograph strong documentary and historical value, illustrating the modern and technological dimension of the conflict.

Historical Significance
• Direct testimony of the Siege of Paris (1870-1871)
• Rare subject combining military and aeronautical history
• Authentic photograph of Prussian troops
• A sought-after piece for collectors of:
• war photographs
• 19th-century documents
• European military iconography
Condition
Good overall condition considering its age.
Slight signs of age may be present (patina, micro-stains, marginal wear), without any major impairment of legibility.

Dimensions

(Height 16.5 cm × Width 24.5 cm)
Cardboard mount 27 cm x 35.5 cm

<!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_251217_114002_933.sdocx-->

Ref: ODIN4T4MST