Totenkopfring Survey

[equirhodont]

Please, contact me, if you still have Ullrich´s TK ring. Thanks.

I have two very special TK rings. Special to me, because I knew both the men that originally owned them. One I bought after he died, which I purchased from the German dealer that got the mans military items, via the daughter of Otto Baum.
The other ring was presented as a gift to me, directly and unexpectidly from the original owner, Karl Ullrich.

[Byzanti]

I own an original and also tried it on for a bit just to see what it looked like left hand right hand skull facing up skull facing down (touché herr heydrich)- but it's too large too valuable and I also don't feel right wearing it, just imo... For me the thrill is owning it examining it researching it- just enjoying its history, imagining what it's been through, thinking about its owner, it's presentation day, it's last day on the officers hand who received it.., sometimes I wonder if the skulls eyes could see, what did those eyes see over its lifetime from finishing application solder by a gahr master jeweler to today? It's an intensely personal piece and (somewhat human) silent witness to some of the 20th century's most defining moments... Like others have said here the feeling is more of its ownership of me rather than the other way around... Sometimes I wonder where it's life will go next after mine...a museum, another collector, an African dictator? Nothing compares to the ring in my collection imo and nothing else in my collection speaks louder to me the old collectors refrain of "we are just temporary custodians of history" given the privilege to guard hold and then pass it on to another generation - that's the honor of the honor ring to me.

[Viriathus]

TKRs are great, I own an original one and would not part with it easily

[EvaB1945]

Totenkopf Rings

Still saving for a repro.. I'm not fussed on collecting originals as they make them a easy target for thiefs. But I'm still saving!

I love to see people's photos of Original TK rings, it brings about a air of nostalgia. When I do eventually get the repro ring I dont think i'd ever wear it either.

Thats pretty impressive Swan! Otto Baum and Ullrich.. they will be a think for you to treasure for a long long time to come

Eva

[DALE ELLIS]

That's kind of like asking which one of my kids would I get rid of first. I love all my stuff and miss most of the relics I've sold or traded off over the years. As for wearing my ring, I've worn it around the house a few times but silver is way too soft and the ring so rare and valuable to wear all the time would be a crime. Although it being worn is how I got my ring. The guy I got it from said he slept with it on one night and had such horrible nightmares he did not want to have anything more to do with the ring and sold it to me for a bargain price.

[rbno]

I do own a ring, but it would not be the last thing to go. At least not this week. I might give a different answer next week. My favorite item changes quite regularly.

About wearing a TK ring...

An identified ring recently sold in a local on-line estate auction. I did not get it, but another forum member did. On the spur of the moment, when I went to pick up my winnings, I wore my ring. Several members of the deceased's family were present, and were fascinated to see another example in person. I'm glad I wore it, but may never wear it again, even though it is exactly my size.

Another (true) story: A well known Midwest collector had just purchased a TK ring from a vet and was on his way home with it. He slipped it on his finger as a convenient way to carry it. Before he got home, he decided to stop at a local bakery. He noticed the gentleman behind the counter was staring at the ring. Then he saw the tattooed number on the baker's arm and hurriedly concluded his business. Neither said anything about it and I do not know if he ever went back to that bakery. Now that is an awkward moment!

[tk99]

TK rings are more resilient than people give them credit. I was wearing my TK ring one day and it slipped and fell onto the concrete pavement. Surprisingly, there was no damage to the ring.

[EvaB1945]

TK rings are more resilient than people give them credit. I was wearing my TK ring one day and it slipped and fell onto the concrete pavement. Surprisingly, there was no damage to the ring.

They seem to be made as quite resilient as you say. Most rings regardless of TK or not are made to withstand general wear and tear..

Either way... I think wearing them or not is of personal choice. If it fits then wear it. To some people it's just another ring to wear.. ( if they wear repro's not originals)

Eva x

[tanker]

If you want (and have) to wear one, buy a REPRO! Original rings are too valuable to damage or lose. Ron

[EvaB1945]

If you want (and have) to wear one, buy a REPRO! Original rings are too valuable to damage or lose. Ron

agreed!

Eva

[DALE ELLIS]

They seem to be made as quite resilient as you say. Most rings regardless of TK or not are made to withstand general wear and tear..

Either way... I think wearing them or not is of personal choice. If it fits then wear it. To some people it's just another ring to wear.. ( if they wear repro's not originals)

Eva x

That train of thought reminds me of when I was a kid using the Japanese sword my Dad brought home to clear brush from the yard. It worked really well but I would I do it today? No….because I’ve got a little more sense now and realize that as the owner of a historical artifact it is my duty to preserve it. Chopping bush with a Japanese Naval Officer sword or wearing an Honor ring will cause irreplaceable wear at the least and at the worse possible damage.

[DALE ELLIS]

x

[DALE ELLIS]

x

[tk99]

If you want (and have) to wear one, buy a REPRO! Original rings are too valuable to damage or lose. Ron

Hi Ron and all. I understand that my choice may not be a popular one with the collectors here but, with all due respect, I never understood the significance of wearing a repro?
I used to wear it because the ring has a historical value. It's was there. It represented something. It meant something to the original owner. The ring is a connection to the past. When I show it to someone, there is a story to tell. When you wear a repro, how is that any different from wearing a piece of tin foil around your finger? It's a fake. A fraud. It was made yesterday. The only value there is the value of the material.

I understand that as temporary owners of these artifacts, we should preserve history. I am well aware of the risk of loss or damage but, so long as it is protected and secured, how is that any different if that was stored in some damp basement, or in a house where there was a fire, or burglary, or on my finger?

I know my response is not a popular one but, buying anything repro is akin to throwing money away. JMO. Thanks.

[tanker]

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