Early Engraved SS Honor Ring (SS-Ehrenring) or Skull Ring with Authenticity Certificate

This is an early SS Honor Ring (or SS-Ehrenring) accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. This ring, a token personally gifted by the SS (Schutzstaffel) leader Heinrich Himmler, is also known as the "Skull Ring" (or Totenkopfring) due to its grisly centerpiece. Originally a sign of the highest honor for a select few, that had to be returned upon disciplinary transgression, the ring eventually became more commonplace for SS officers to acquire as the war progressed. The accompanying certificate is from Craig Gottlieb of "History Hunters", and is based on his X-ray analysis of the ring: it has a specific "metallurgical footprint" consistent with those of other authentic SS rings from this period (materials list found below). The ring has a skull at front center with oak leaves encircling the narrow band and serving as a backdrop to various runes, including a swastika. The inside of the band is engraved in italics with the recipient's name, the date and H. Himmler.

Circa late 1930s.

Size 10; approximately 5/16" in height.

Silver (89%), copper (10%), trace elements (1%).

None.

S.H. Gross 20.4.37 H. Himmler.

This is from an early Nazi Germany SS collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. CON-MH-VIJJJX14 LACGEJX3/14 RET6/14

7+/8- (Very Fine-Excellent): The ring shows some light wear.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.