Järnmedalj från första världskriget
Tyskland
1916
Diameter ca 39mm
Vikt ca 17g

Sällan förekommande i detta mycket fina skick, bedömning enligt bilder

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This medallion made of iron was part of an expansive program in which patriotic
German women would hand in their precious gold jewelry during the war years
1914-1918. This was to aid the war effort for the besieged Fatherland. Mothers,
sisters, wives, and girlfriends received these iron medals after donating their
wonderful items of jewelry to the Prussian government. The beautiful gold
jewelry was sold to finance Germany’s struggle. This tradition began in the
early years of the 19th century when German citizens were called upon to exchange
their gold and silver jewelry for Gothic-looking pieces of ornamental iron
jewelry. The funds raised were designated to be used to finance Prussia’s part
in the Napoleonic wars, which raged across Europe and beyond from 1803-1815.
The patriotic replacements were called “Berlin Iron.” Rings, pendants,
bracelets even frying pans made of copper were donated. As Germany tried to
meet the colossal costs of WWI, citizens were very proud to wear these
patriotic implements and baubles. The ring replacements would invariably say
inside (Gold gab ich für eisen 1914) or other of the war years,
translated this means “I gave gold for iron.” The medallion we offer says “IN
EISERNER ZEIT 1916” “In the iron time 1916.” On the back it says: “GOLD
GAB ICH ZUR WEHR EISEN NAHM ICH ZUR EHR.” That means: “I gave gold for the
defense; I took iron for the honor [of it].”