Totenkopf Ring

[Emeredato]

Well thats all I got from the family and they had a hard time taking these pictures of it.

[Ric Ferrari]

Well thats all I got from the family and they had a hard time taking these pictures of it.

So, if I should take a decision based on the pics posted alone, I wouldn't buy it......

Hi Gents,
need some opinions on this ring........
Thanks for your help
Regards
Sascha

.........just to reply to your starting request.



That being said more info may lead you to a different decision.......the source if you actually know it, to say one.

Best

Ric

[Joda]

Well thats all I got from the family and they had a hard time taking these pictures of it.

Yes but let them know that detailled macro photo is essential for a serious analysis of such a rare object like this honour ring....and these photo are really out of focus..in particular the inner engraving.

[Emeredato]

I remember the first ring I bought (and still in my collection) from a family, there were very different opinions here. 60% said good, 40% said not good.
But I bought it an I was happy to have it.
Here some pictures

[Emeredato]

..

[Ric Ferrari]

Well, compare Lorenz's engraving with Karl's one and you will understand the reason of my position.

By the pics Lorenz ring is one looker although well worn, Karl's is not.

Ric

[Antonio Scapini]

Hi Sascha, if I were you I would buy it.
If you don't buy it feel free to let me know who is the seller, I'll be happy to buy it.
If you clear the ring from the dirty on engraving you'll have another very nice early ring.

[Emeredato]

Well, I got your point.
But what about this:

http://www.das-ritterkreuz.de/index_...earchword=karl

[Ric Ferrari]

Well, I got your point.
But what about this:

http://www.das-ritterkreuz.de/index_...earchword=karl

I can add that Karl Friedrich (SS n° 101983) and Karl Hubert (SS n° 1339) are listed in DAL 1936 and they both got the ring.

But, are you sure the ring posted was actually owned by one of them or it's just a copy of it ?

If so, take Antonio suggestion and buy it.

Ric

[Emeredato]

Well, I wait what the family might have on information on the ring. Seem that Mrs. Karl is still alive and I will got further information.
Until then I thank all pro`s here for their opinion.
Like I mentioned it, TK Rings are not my field.....
@Antonio:

[sgstandard]

Ring

Tough call - things I like, and also not sure. The patina seems very dark, as though it was re-embellished. Need better pics. Ask them to photograph it lying flat on a piece of white paper, and no flash. Area around skull looks odd, but some of the inside engraving looks proper - like I said - more pics.

[Emeredato]

Familily called and told me that he was the Kommandeur SS-Freiw.PzArtRgt 11 "Nordland". On the weekend they will send some pictures of papers they found....

[Antonio Scapini]

Good catch Sascha!
Your man was : Friedrich-Wilhelm Karl, born on 15. 9.11 in Frankfurt/O., with SS number 101 983, Kdr. of SS-Art.Rgt.11, promoted Standartenfuhrer on 2.45 and dead on 21.8.70 in Dortmund.

Seems you have here a very nice piece of history.

[sgstandard]

Ring

I feel that it's likely to be a good ring, but IMO, the inside engraving and front of ring have had that dark patina added post-war, to make details stand out. For the age and wear of that ring, that patina does not look normal, IMO. Look at almost any 1934 ring, and most of the inside engraving patina is very light or almost non-existent.

[Ric Ferrari]

The more I look at this engraving the more I believe it cast in

But better pics could help me to change opinion