2018.002.009 [Ring, Finger]

This is a small black-and-silver band ring. The embossment around the exterior surface reads, "Vaterlandsdank 1914." This translates to "Thank you Fatherland" or "Thanks to the Fatherland," depending on the situation. The ring is lightweight and simple, indicating modest-to-middle socioeconomic standing of its original owner. It was reportedly traded for other goods during the First World War. Such trading was commonplace both on and off the battlefield, where valued items could be traded for commodities. This piece is now a part of the permanent World War I collection of the Iowa Masonic Library and Museum in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This content can be used with the following resources: SS-WH.9-12.26: Iowans Influence World History This content can be used to educate students about the ways in which world events during the twentieth impacted Iowa in reference to German Iowans. The notion of the German fatherland was meaningful for Americans of German descent. This ring can be used to educate students on how the war affected Iowa Germans. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item for any copyright restrictions.