Berlin iron jewellery
Jewellery of black cast iron that Prussians received in exchange for gold during the Wars of Liberation.
During the war against Napoleon in 1813 Prussians were urged to give their gold jewellery to the treasury. In exchange they received iron jewellery, often inscribed Gold gab ich für Eisen – I gave gold for iron.
Iron jewellery became a patriotic fashion and was made long after the war. Its black, spiky forms suited both Neoclassicism and the emerging Gothic Revival.
Materials: Cast iron, lacquered black; sometimes with gold or silver
Manufacture: Cast in fine sand moulds at the royal iron foundries in Berlin and Gleiwitz.
A matt black surface and very fine openwork detail.
Classical medallions, Gothic pointed arches and flowers.
The inscription ‘Gold gab ich für Eisen’ on some pieces.