Description

***SOLD***

WW1 German “gold for iron” ring, ring measures 20 mm in diameter and is inscribed with “Gold gab ich für Eisen 1914 O S.K” (I gave gold for iron 1914 OSK). Ring is in good condition for its age with only very slight deformation from being worn, apart from this the ring is damage free.

Berlin Iron jewelry was first created in the early 1800’s when the Prussian royal family urged citizens to contribute their gold to fund the war against Napoleon.  In return for their gold, citizens were given iron jewelry, usually inscribed with Gold gab ich für Eisen (I gave gold for iron), or Für das Wohl des Vaterlands (For the welfare of our country / fatherland). The giving of iron jewelry, in exchange for gold, to fund a war effort was tried again in the First World War.