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WW1 "I Gave Gold For Iron" Ring

US UK

WW1 "I Gave Gold For Iron" Ring

$1,000.00

Description

DATE: WW1, 1914

This ring has something of an unusual story to tell... It comprises a band of iron set with rose gold inner emblazoned with the words "Gold gab ich für Eifen 1914 O.S.K." or I Gave Gold For Iron. In an effort to raise money to fight the first war, the Austro-Hungarian empire revived an idea from 100 years earlier: request that citizens donated their gold jewellery to the government in exchange for iron jewellery. The first time round, between 1813 and 1815, the Prussian royal family urged all citizens to contribute gold and silver towards funding an uprising against Napoleon. In exchange, they would be given iron jewellery (known as Berlin Iron) often with the inscription above or with a portrait of Frederick William III on the back. This example is obviously from the 19th century, and the owner, presumably after the war, chose to add a gold inner section to make wearing it more practical. Wearing the iron jewellery was an overt statement of your patriotic commitment to the country, and many chose to continue wearing such rings long after the war was over.

MEASUREMENTS 

Width of band: 6.9mm

WEIGHT 

4.0g

MARKS 

No marks present, tests as 14k gold

CONDITION 

Very good, some natural tarnish to the iron section

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