{"product_id":"wwi-british-military-souvenir-gold-ring-battle-of-rafah-1917","title":"WWI British Military Signet Ring","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eAn antique gold military souvenir ring dating to the First World War, probably commemorating the Battle of Rafah in 1917.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe oval bezel is engraved with a stylised townscape; likely intended to evoke the Middle Eastern theatre of war. The shoulders are decorated with pyramids and palm trees, firmly placing the piece within the Egypt–Palestine campaign. The inscription to the band, now heavily worn from use, would originally have read ‘Rafah’ alongside the clearly visible date ‘1917’.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eSuch rings were typically made by British soldiers as personal mementos of specific campaigns or victories. Produced in-theatre or shortly after, they served as both souvenirs and deeply personal records of service. The strong wear to this example suggests it was worn continuously, adding to its authenticity and character.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe Battle of Rafah (January 1917) was a significant engagement fought between British Empire forces—principally British and ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand) troops—against the Ottoman Empire on the Egypt–Palestine frontier. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eRafah’s position between Sinai (Egypt) and southern Palestine made it strategically crucial in securing the advance into Ottoman-held territory.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eComparable rings are known commemorating other campaigns; they all share similar engraved formats with location, date, and regional iconography, reinforcing this ring’s attribution.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eWeight: 9.45g\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eSize: UK R½; US 8.75\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eHead: 1.3cm north–south\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eTests as 18K gold\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eIn good overall condition; engraving softened through wear, with minor cracking to the band, consistent with age and prolonged use. A rare and evocative piece of personal military history.\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Ravensbury Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49099558682932,"sku":"1017810288","price":2400.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0708\/6784\/5428\/files\/0G2A8865.jpg?v=1776429234","url":"https:\/\/ravensburyantiques.com\/products\/wwi-british-military-souvenir-gold-ring-battle-of-rafah-1917","provider":"Ravensbury Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}