Cast in the Round?

[Bob Hritz]

I could not disagree more with Mr. Hritz that SS Totenkopfrings are poor quality.
I had the "Geldern" ring in my possession (It's featured in Boyle's 1st book).
Everyone looks at the die-flaws, etc........but the photos are large.
The detail on that mint ring is spectacular, and it couldn't possibly be made any better.

Here is one made, in a garage, with home made casting equipment made from an old cooking pot and power drill for centrifugal casting. The pattern is hand made. It looks as good or better than any of the many originals I have seen, right down to the ugly misformed pig nose. This was his first and only attempt at casting silver and marked as a copy, on the inside.

Of course, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

Bob Hritz

[SScollector]

Thank you for the compliments Bob, as these were made by my father a few years ago, (no longer being produced). These rings were not meant to deceive in any way and the project was simply done for fun and to share our passion for these rings in our own attempt at recreating some of the artwork to the best of our abilities. In my opinion, the original rings did show a great amount of detail and after watching someone try to duplicate all of their features, my respect for the original artwork became much greater. Yes, there are many flaws on the originals, but to create such a three dimensional ring like that, is really difficult. As for the method of manufacturing used to create the originals, I doubt that it was anything like what my father did.
I tend to believe in Don Boyle's "roll pressed" explanation, as there are many things to suport this, including the tedious engravings which would almost have to have been done on a flat strip before the rings were rounded, imo. Just my thoughts!

Chris

[SScollector]

Jim, could you please post a few pictures of the rings made by member Hapur from the other forum, or perhaps post a link? I would be interested to see those. Thanks in advance!

Chris

[Byzanti]

[QUOTE=SScollector;7793075]Jim, could you please post a few pictures of the rings made by member Hapur from the other forum, or perhaps post a link? I would be interested to see those. Thanks in advance!

Chris

Here it is:
http://www.totenkopfrings.com

[GiuseppeC]

Thanks everybody! I appreciate the kind words, and good discussion!

[james m]

SScollector:
Here's my own personal example. And this was the one made as a demonstration on German Daggers Forum by Hapur with the following exception. I did not like the shape of the skull so I reshaped it myself and here is the end result. I had Hapur engrave my own name and birthday inside so it can never be passed off as anything but a copy.
Jim

[SScollector]

Nice, thank you for posting!

Chris