SS Totenkopf honor ring real or fake??

[godphenix]

My friend that was in the Scotish Army was stationed in Germany in 1973
and he picked this ring up from an American that was in a tank battalion at the time. It belonged to Hermann Priess 1901-1985 it was presented to him in 1-4-41. if anyone could authenticate it for me or tell me how much this piece is worth??? or is it a fake???

Thanks
Ryan

P.S hes tried to scratch out his name as well.

[godphenix]

more pics

[godphenix]

heres more

[MR PITER]

Hi godphenix
it is very hard to decide the ring is original or not because there is a lot of fakes on the market with looks like a original - even a collectors with long expiriences in collecting third reich militaria would have some problems to recognize fake from original. I can tell U that i have in my hands a lot of copies made in my country and russia, and the rings were so nice that everybody have problems to recognize them as a Fake.
If it is original it is worth a lot of money,

hope that is an original ring

bye

[John Doe]

I would go to GDC forum ( http://www.germandaggers.com/ ) and ask under the The Honor Ring Forum

Regards, Javier

[Ernst-H]

I am no expert on these rings but what I have read and seen of them over the time makes me make the following comments:

- the type of letters/writing used seems different to mefrom proven originals
- is there a seam behind the skull? From the pictures it looks like it was cast out of one piece. I believe that these rings should be of two-piece construction........the ring being made as a flat strip of material...engraved........then bend and soldered at the place behind the skull. The skull was then soldered on top of this seam.

As said...I am no expert but these are my observations.....Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Giel]

Sorry, but I would say it's a fake, the totenkopf itself is too big, and there is some quind of black-wash over it to make it look older.

[Phil V]

A few observations:

Writing (font) incorrect.

No join mark behind the Totenkopf. Authentic are two piece construction with the Totenkopf overlaying the join.

Totenkopf a little too large.

Some of the external markings (totenkopf, wreath) look a little dull which may suggest a mass produced repro born from a single mould.

Who, in their right mind would willfully damage an authentic ring by attempting to scratch out the most important part of a Totenkopf.

I must add though - my observations are only the observations of an amatuer Totenkopf admirer / enthusiast. An experts opinion should always be sought.

Can you post exactly what the inscription reads please?

MB

[Giel]

That's a very wellknown fake, the one with the too large skull, I'm 99,9% convinced that it is crap.

[Phil V]

That's a very wellknown fake, the one with the too large skull, I'm 99,9% convinced that it is crap.

I am in agreement.

I always hard to say 100% though; simply by looking at some photos.

I would like to know the full inscription before offering a definitive response.

MB

[godphenix]

Thanks for all the great responses guys im just trying to do my buddy a favour since hes been holding on to it for 31 years.

the full inscription follows: S.Ib PRIESS H.HIMMLER 1-4-41 in this order.

[Phil V]

In my opinion this ring is a reproduction.

A question - has your friend tried to sell this particular ring recently using the same story that you conveyed in your first post?

MB

[godphenix]

No he hasn't, he doesnt even have a computer he thinks you "pay" for each email that you send like you would a letter. hehe

[Phil V]

Reproductions usually go for between US$30 and US$80 depending on quality.

MB

[Matthew]

You'll see a lot of these repro rings with the name Preiss in them, I'm not sure why though.