Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Tag, Identification |
Source |
Iowa Masonic Library |
Iowa History Era Tag |
Prosperity to the Depression (1897-1939) |
Chronological Tag |
The Emergence of Modern America (1890-1930) |
Catalog Number |
2018.002.048 |
Credit line |
Iowa Masonic Library - Cedar Rapids, Iowa |
Description |
This is a half-oval-shaped German army identification tag made of a dark gray metal. There are two holes punched near the top of the tag above the inscription, where a cord would have been run to be carried around a soldier's neck. The tag is broken in half at the equator, leaving only the top half intact. The inscription on the front of the tag reads, "RUDOLF ARETZ - KOLN - 18.7.97. 2 FRS. BATL. J.R.70. 4.K.1536." This inscription would seem to indicate that the tag belonged to a soldier named Rudolf Aretz, who was from Koln, Germany; he was born on July 18, 1897; he was part of the 2nd FRS (reserves?) Battalion. The inscription on the rear face of the tag reads, "R.J.R.70. 4.K.NR. 652 - R.J.R.70. 1.K. NR. 411." There is little to no patina on either face of the tag. The fact that the tag was torn in half and only one half remains indicates that Rudolf Aretz was killed in battle during his service. This content can be used with the following resources: SS.6.23: Compare Iowa to World This content can be used to inspire analytical comparisons between military service for Iowa servicemen to the military service of Germans during the First World War. For any use other than instructinal resources, please check with the organization that owns this item for any copyright restrictions. |
Primary/Secondary Source |
Significant - State/National |
County Tag |
Linn |
Subjects |
Armies Military uniforms Military service Soldiers Trench warfare War War casualties Warfare World War I |
Classification |
Artifacts Military Museums War World War I |
Multimedia Links |
Click here to view/hear the file. |
Search Terms |
Military uniforms Military life Soldiers Trench warfare War War & Conflict Warfare World War I WW1 WWI |
Legal Status |
Copyright to this resource is held by the Iowa Masonic Library and Museum and has been provided here for educational purposes only, specifically for use in the Iowa Museum Association's "Teaching Iowa History" project. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission from the Rights Holder. For more information on U.S. and International copyright laws, consult an attorney. |
