{"product_id":"berlin-iron-signet-ring-c-1813-1820-mid-to-late-19th-century-830-silver-counterpart","title":"Berlin Iron Signet Ring c. 1813–1820  \u0026 Mid-to-Late 19th Century 830 Silver Counterpart","description":"\u003cp\u003eA museum-worthy pair of antique rings, featuring a highly rare original early 19th-century Berlin iron (Fer de Berlin) signet ring, accompanied by its exact 830 silver counterpart from the mid-to-late 19th century. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinding a single, intact Berlin iron ring is incredibly rare, as their brittle nature means very few survived the last two centuries. Finding one paired with a later silver twin offers a physical, tangible representation of the famous 'Gold gab ich für Eisen' (I gave gold for iron) patriotic movement and the enduring legacy of the crest it bears.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Historical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003cbr\u003eDuring the Napoleonic Wars (circa 1813), the Prussian Royal Family urged citizens to donate their precious metals to help fund the military defense against France. In exchange for their gold and silver, patriots were given iron jewelry replicas as a symbol of their loyalty and sacrifice.\u003cbr\u003eThis set perfectly illustrates the lifespan of that exchange. The cast iron ring is the early original, worn proudly to display a patriotic contribution during the war effort. The silver counterpart, cast in an 830 purity typical of Northern Germany, dates to the mid-to-late 19th century. This later casting was likely commissioned as a commemorative duplicate, a precious metal replacement by a descendant, or a formal realization of the iron guild crest once the economic hardships of the war had passed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesign \u0026amp; Craftsmanship\u003cbr\u003eBoth rings display astonishing precision, demonstrating the immense skill required to capture the exact same intricate details in both soft silver and brittle iron.\u003cbr\u003eThe Signet Bezel: Both feature an octagonal face depicting a highly detailed crest—an arm or gauntlet wielding a tool over a block, topped with a distinctive insignia. This intriguing motif strongly suggests a blacksmith or ironworker guild, though the implements also bear a striking resemblance to agricultural tools, pointing toward a farming guild, agrarian estate, or specific fraternal order.\u003cbr\u003eThe Shoulders: The bands are beautifully decorated with deep, relief-worked floral and foliate motifs that wrap down the sides of the shank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasurements \u0026amp; Specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Berlin Iron Ring:\u003cbr\u003eEra: c. 1813–1820\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 10 grams\u003cbr\u003eRing Size: UK V-W \/ US 11 (European size 65)\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Cast iron with traditional blackened finish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 830 Silver Ring:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Mid to late 19th Century\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 15 grams\u003cbr\u003eRing Size: UK Z+2 \/ US 13.5 (European size 71\/72)\u003cbr\u003ePurity: 830 Silver (Typical Northern German origin)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition Report\u003cbr\u003eBoth pieces survive in remarkable antique condition. The mid-to-late 19th-century 830 silver ring possesses a beautiful, unpolished antique patina that accentuates the deep relief carving of the guild tools and floral shoulders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe early 19th-century Berlin iron ring is completely intact—which is exceptionally rare for cast iron rings of this era—and retains a beautiful blackened finish with crisp, highly legible details on the signet face.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have any further questions abou the set. Please do not hesitate to contact us. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mother's Silverware ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57987135013208,"sku":"005","price":3800.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0968\/9202\/7224\/files\/20260818_101252.jpg?v=1787041214","url":"https:\/\/motherssilverware.com\/fr\/products\/berlin-iron-signet-ring-c-1813-1820-mid-to-late-19th-century-830-silver-counterpart","provider":"Mother's Silverware ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}