German-American Bund Ring “A.V.” by Franz Schnell – Die-Struck 835 Silver with Enamel Inlay
This rare and historically significant silver ring was designed by Franz Schnell, a German jeweler known for his craftsmanship in silver insignia. As far as records show, Schnell was the only artisan producing “Auslands Verein” ("A.V.") insignia in solid silver. His work is of exceptional quality, and this piece stands out both artistically and historically.
The ring features a jet-black enamel top bearing the raised "A.V." initials—an abbreviation for Auslands Verein, representing Germans living abroad. On each shoulder of the band is a high-relief rendering of the American federal eagle with uplifted wings—an emblem reflecting the dual loyalties of German-Americans. The interior of the shank is clearly stamped “835,” indicating solid silver content.
According to Schnell’s son, Franz had a U.S.-based relative who was active in the German-American Bund and likely facilitated the original commission for these rings and related lapel pins. While it remains unclear whether the rings were formally distributed in the United States, some of Schnell’s lapel pins were reportedly shipped to New York. Surviving examples like this one suggest production was underway prior to the Bund’s dissolution under mounting political scrutiny.
This ring is in mint condition, preserved from original stock. The enameled face is beautifully detailed, with a subtle three-dimensional column of light rising above the AV monogram, capped by a delicate swastika—an artistic technique rarely seen in such pieces.
This is the identical ring featured on page 287 of Scott Freeland’s authoritative book They Too Were Americans, which documents the Bund and its iconography in great detail. Freeland’s research also provides insight into the purpose of the organization.
Whether for a serious collector of WWII-era memorabilia or a historian seeking an authentic example of German-American craftsmanship, this ring offers exceptional value, rarity, and historical provenance.
This rare and historically significant silver ring was designed by Franz Schnell, a German jeweler known for his craftsmanship in silver insignia. As far as records show, Schnell was the only artisan producing “Auslands Verein” ("A.V.") insignia in solid silver. His work is of exceptional quality, and this piece stands out both artistically and historically.
The ring features a jet-black enamel top bearing the raised "A.V." initials—an abbreviation for Auslands Verein, representing Germans living abroad. On each shoulder of the band is a high-relief rendering of the American federal eagle with uplifted wings—an emblem reflecting the dual loyalties of German-Americans. The interior of the shank is clearly stamped “835,” indicating solid silver content.
According to Schnell’s son, Franz had a U.S.-based relative who was active in the German-American Bund and likely facilitated the original commission for these rings and related lapel pins. While it remains unclear whether the rings were formally distributed in the United States, some of Schnell’s lapel pins were reportedly shipped to New York. Surviving examples like this one suggest production was underway prior to the Bund’s dissolution under mounting political scrutiny.
This ring is in mint condition, preserved from original stock. The enameled face is beautifully detailed, with a subtle three-dimensional column of light rising above the AV monogram, capped by a delicate swastika—an artistic technique rarely seen in such pieces.
This is the identical ring featured on page 287 of Scott Freeland’s authoritative book They Too Were Americans, which documents the Bund and its iconography in great detail. Freeland’s research also provides insight into the purpose of the organization.
Whether for a serious collector of WWII-era memorabilia or a historian seeking an authentic example of German-American craftsmanship, this ring offers exceptional value, rarity, and historical provenance.