Here we have a rare Civil War set of bone rings featuring a likely Prisoner of War ring with decorated initials. It sets the edge like no other. If only these artifacts could talk. The star of the show is the POW ring with the three B’s. What a look, with an even incredible history. Let’s step right into the background of bone rings during the Civil War:
During the Civil War, prisoners of war (POWs) on both sides often made rings and other items from bone as a way to pass the time, create something of beauty in difficult circumstances, and even as a form of currency within the prison. These rings were typically carved from the bones of their meals, often beef or pork, using whatever tools they could find, such as knives, nails, or even shards of glass.
The rings were sometimes engraved with initials, names, dates, military units, or patriotic symbols. They were kept as souvenirs, given as gifts to loved ones, or even traded with guards or other prisoners.
The set of Civil War artifacts came out of a serious collector of Civil War memorabilia. His notes are attached to the reverse of the display box.
The POW bone ring has a diameter of about 17mm, and wears a size of about 6 1/3. The round oxen ring is in great shape as well. Please see all pics as they are part of the description.
