Nazi Ring

[rebeldevil89]

Hi guys! I wasn't sure where to post this so I thought I'd post it here. I just wanted to show this ring that was given to me directly by the veteran who got it from a German POW for a pack of smokes. I was just wondering if anyone ever saw anything like this, or how much it might be worth on todays market (not that I plan on selling it since it was a gift). My guess is that this is just a private purchase ring. It displays no other markings than what is on the front of the ring, I do think it's made from silver though.

[Erich B.]

With the swastika combined with arrows and the style and construction of the ring and decorations, I think he must have traded the smokes at an American Indian trading post. It's not a German ring.
Erich

[Waffe]

With the swastika combined with arrows and the style and construction of the ring and decorations, I think he must have traded the smokes at an American Indian trading post. It's not a German ring.
Erich

It does have an American Indian styling. Are there any hallmarks on the inside?

Regards,
Kent G.

[rebeldevil89]

No it doesn't show any hallmarks. It's strange, because I do believe this is a German ring as he got this directly from a Soldier who got it from a German POW. This was given to me, along with a couple of other original items, a helmet, visor hat, Hitler Plaque, and early NSDAP Plaque. There's no motive for him to lie to me because I'm not paying him for it he just wanted me to have his war souvenirs.

[Mainemilitaria]

Rebeldevil89.....
This is the same guy who told you the story about the fake M-29 eagle plaque and very questionable Hitler plaque? .....

Many old vets bought stuff in the 50s/60s/70s/80s/so on to "add" to thier own war souviners....some were "bad"....some weren't.....(that's giving the guy the benefit of the doubt.....)

Never "go by" the story....only the item.....!!!! This ring is an American made sham "Indian inspired swas. ring" that has NOTHING TO DO with the 3rd Reich (other than having been posted on a WW 2 forum...)

You can believe it if you want (same with both plaques) but no knowledgible collector would give them shelf space!

Sorry, meant with sympathy....but let's be real!
John G.

[Mainemilitaria]

Rebledevil89....

Have you posted the visor hat and helmet? I looked but didn't find anything. I'd be curious to see both (and anything else) this guy "gave" you.....

If you're serious about collecting you should know the "truth" about what you have as far as originality goes.....

I would never give someone the thumbs down unless I am "positive" what I'm saying is correct...(at least in my own mind).

As I said there's no question the M-29 eagle plaque is fake! The story of it coming off a Railraod Car durning the War is completely bogas....there's absolutely NO WAY thats possible!

The Hitler Plaque (I'm 95% sure) is also the typical repro. mounted on a wooden backing (so easy to do)....very untypical German style or the wood used IMO, horrible paint....would still need to see how it's mounted (Photos?) but doesn't "impress me" so far.

The Swastika ring, again, NO WAY, UNQUESTIONABLY not German WW2!!!!and came with the same story....(the ring might still have some collector interest as a "Amer. Indian Swastika Ring"....)

Again, you can believe what you want but......I'm being most sincere!
John G.

[rebeldevil89]

Alright well I guess I'll have to toss them, thanks for the opinion.

[sgstandard]

Ring

The arrows on the design are a clue.

[Mainemilitaria]

Rebeldevil89...
You need not "toss" anything....they're displayable and they were free....but just accept what they are and learn from this experiance....I think the ring is still of interest to "swastika" collectors- meant with no disrespect, but lot's of collectors like "anything" with a swas. knowing they have nothing to do with the 3rd Reich.

Like I said, still would like to see the helmet & hat (or links) and anything else that came in the "group", and pictures of how the AH profile plaque is mounted....jury still out on this (though doubtful...as stated).

These type plaques, both the M29 eagle and Hitler profile- could only be made to NSDAP standarts....both "images" were licienced & quality controled....no sand cast (M29) and with screwback mounts on the AH Profile...
Don't be discouraged...
John G.

[rebeldevil89]

Here are some of the other items that the veteran gave me:

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=528073
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=528074
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=528075
http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=528072

I still would like to hear more opinions or definite proof that the plaques are fake. I'm not saying they're not, I'd just like definite proof. I'd hate to set it aside when they could be real items, especially after getting them directly from the veteran for free since none of his relatives had any interest and he had no use in me paying him for anything. I think he was just happy someone appreciates the history.

[juoneen]

Thats a typical southwest indian 1940s ring. I have several from the period. He may have visited through az., or even trained at the desert training center, or visited phoenix. Makes sense .

[Gaspare]

Not 3rd reich German in design or style. Memories get old, things forgotten, stories blend one in to the other... Trades and gifts happened with Vets,,things just got lumped together.
Never believe the story...

[Mainemilitaria]

rebeldevil89,

Looking at the stuff you got from this guy.....

Army HBT tunic (Resewn eagle...from 1960s/70s era...NOT a vet bringback. Original tunics were $35.00/65.00 w/resewn eagles then) Still nice HBT tunic (most have resewn eagles)!

Helmet....Looks fine and certianly could be a vet. bringback as is.....nice as is!

Inf. EM Visor- lacking chin strap & side buttons but also certianly could be vet. pickup as is....worth finding a strap & buttons!

M98 Mauser is a POSTWAR DEWAT that has been "un-dewated", NOT SOMETHING A VET. would have done unless he was crazy....but sold for almost nothing in the 1950s/60s....still nice display gun!

The 2 plaque....as already stated...eagle definate postwar addition and probably the A.H. too! Displayable but not real!

Ring...yes, a German tourist might have bought it while touring the West and then decided to wear it while fighting in Italy, being captured (where rings were usually removed immediately) and then as a POW traded it for a smoke....but about one in 50 million chance. I wouldn't pay one cent for that story!

So it boils down to the this guy had a few original "untouched items" he either picked up himself or acquired postwar, as well as other stuff that definately was picked up in the 50/60/70s and added to his collection....a couple were clunkers which he probably believed were real....and he "made up some fairly convincing stories" to go with them....not unusual for old vets. (or old men!). If he gave them to you.... certianly cherish them, but for what they really are!

I'd certianly be very greatful for the tunic, rifle, helmet, and visor.....the two plaques are actually fairly 'minor" items and the ring also wouldn't be anything more than another unoffical ring even if it was German! The important stuff is certainly worth having!
John G.