Watch chain “In iron time”

The iron watch chain was produced in series and in many variations by the well-known jewelry industry in Pforzheim. Its inscription “Gold for defense. Iron to honor. 1916” and “In Eiserner Zeit 1916” refer to the reason for its production: the First World War and the associated need for money and raw materials. People who donated a certain amount of money or precious metals to the state received iron certificates or jewelry in return.

The material-intensive battles of the First World War cost the German Empire many billions. However, normal state revenues in the form of regular taxes and duties were not enough to cover the costs. The state therefore tried to tap into the private assets of its citizens. Donation campaigns and bonds were used in an attempt to obtain the necessary money and precious metals.

Gold was an important commodity for financing the war, as it brought in foreign currency – enabling the empire, which was poor in raw materials, to buy essential goods abroad and stabilize its currency.

These “barter campaigns” already had a tradition of over a hundred years at the time: in 1813, Princess Marianne of Prussia called on the population to donate their gold for the fight against Napoleon – mostly in the form of jewelry. This reference to the wars of liberation and the material of iron itself had a symbolic dimension. The iron jewelry emphasized the wearer’s willingness to donate and their modesty. People who still wore their gold jewelry were considered unpatriotic. Thanks to the German population’s enthusiasm for the war and social pressure, the German Empire was able to raise billions of marks to finance the war.

Object of the month

(short) stories from the depot

Unfortunately, many objects cannot currently be shown in the exhibition for conservation reasons. Here you will find unusual objects and exciting stories of special pieces from the depot