POW Ring

[Spitfire]

Hello members

I picked up this ring the other day in a lot with some other items. I was told it might be a POW Ring?

Has anyone ever heard or seen something like this before?

The ring has a painted Maltese Cross on the center front, or is it the symbol for the Red Cross?

Inscribed either side of the Cross, this are the dates, 1914 and 1918.

The ring is not very heavy and no marking on the inside.

Any help or theories on what this is or what it is for would be appreciated.

I welcome all comments and will post the pics now.

thanks, Al R

[Spitfire]

2nd pics

[Spitfire]

last pic

[peterm]

Hi!

This is a so-called "Schützengrabenarbeit", but could also have been made in captivity. Many soldiers made and wore rings like that. They often used parts of grenades and aluminium to manufacture these things. Take a look at the left one on the picture, worn by a former Leutnant of Feldjägerbataillon No. 21.

Kind regards, Peter

[Spitfire]

Hi Peter

Thank you for the very informative reply to my post and also posting pictures of your ring. You have helped me immensely.

Yes my ring is made of aluminum. As to the POW theory this was a guess on my part. I suppose it could have been made in captivity or in the field.

Now I am very interested in this item after reading your post and your attributed ring.

I will definitely display this with my other Imperial items in my collection.

Any idea what the market value is for these items?

thanks again, Al

[peterm]

Hi Al!

I own a lot of items like these but don't have pics of them at the moment.
The value is between € 15,- and € 25,- here in Austria, that depends on the "quality" of the item.
I like field (or POW)-made articles like rings, vases, ash-trays, bracelets...

Kind regards, Peter

[Spitfire]

Hi Peter

Once again thank you for the information.

I have this POW art work that a soldier in the Afrika Korp had made while in captivity - dated 1943. The item is carved out of wood and the dark portions have been burned into the wood. It is approximately 27 cm (10.5 inches) in diameter.

I realize it's not Imperial but I always thought it was a very interesting item and thought I would post a picture for you as you mention you like POW (field) made items.

best regards, Al

[Brian L.]

The ring has a painted Maltese Cross on the center front, or is it the symbol for the Red Cross?

It's actually a Teutonic Cross Patty (as in the Iron Cross), not a Maltese Cross. A Maltese Cross has 8 points, (as in the Pour le Merite).

[Spitfire]

A Teutonic cross - thanks for the clarification.

best regards, Al

[peterm]

Hi Al!
Nice Africa-work! Thanks for posting. When I have time, I'll show some more of my items if You are interested.

Kind regards, Peter

[Spitfire]

Hi Peter

Thanks, and yes, definitely interested in seeing some of your items

Al

[peterm]

Hi Peter

Thanks, and yes, definitely interested in seeing some of your items

Al

Here You go, Al!

Kind regards, Peter

[peterm]

Reverse:

[Spitfire]

Thanks Peter

My goodness, isn't that an interesting item.

Please tell, what is the history behind this

Al

[peterm]

Hi Al!

Sorry, don't know who made it and how it found its way home to Austria. This - and the next one - came from a farmhouse near my hometown, but no one there knew the story behind.

Kind regards again,

Peter