Overview

This ring is presented as a WWII-period Totenkopf (skull) ring, associated by inscription with “H. Himmler.” The piece has a bold relief design with a prominent skull front and multiple symbolic side panels.

• Material: Tested as 925 silver
• Weight: approx. 11 g (note: weight can vary with size, as stated)
• Skull front dimensions: 10.99 mm × 9.41 mm
• Band width: 7.49 mm

Design elements :

Raised skull (Totenkopf) on the front

Side panels with symbolic motifs, Runes seen on the ring
One Sig rune left and right of the skull framed by a triangle represents the power of the sun and conquering energy.
A Hagal rune (framed by a hexagon) which represents the faith and camaraderie that was idealised by the leaders of the organisation. The esoteric meaning of the Hagal rune was, according to Guido von List, to: "...enclose the universe in you and you control the universe."
A swastika (standing on the vertex) framed by a square.
The double runes on the rear of the ring framed by a circle were to be Heilszeichen (literally: signs of salvation) of the past. They were a creation of the SS designers rather than historical runes. They are Wiligut's variation of the Gibor rune plus a bind rune for o (Os) and t (Tyr). The bind rune was designed by Wiligut and spells Gott, the German word for "God."

Darkened recessed fields (patina/oxidation typical of recessed relief areas; exact treatment not specified)

Internal inscription (hand-engraved) is described as: “S. lb. Kment 21.12.43 H. Himmler. ”

Condition

Overall condition appears good, with sharp relief details .

Minor surface wear/age marks are visible and consistent with handling.

Historical context

The SS-Ehrenring (German for "SS honour ring"), unofficially called Totenkopfring ("Death's Head ring" or "skull ring"), was an award of the Schutzstaffel (SS). The ring was not a state decoration but rather a personal gift bestowed by Heinrich Himmler to SS members of distinction. It became a highly sought-after award, one which could not be bought or sold.The SS Honour Sword and SS Honour Dagger were similar awards.

The symbolism of the ring reflects Himmler's interest in Germanic mysticism and includes the Totenkopf symbol and Armanen runes. The ring was designed by Karl Maria Wiligut, an Austrian occultist and SS-Brigadeführer with manufacturing provided by the Otto and Karolina Gahr Family Jewelry from Munich. Rings were made of 90% silver cast in two halves with the recipient's name inside, the date of presentation, and a facsimile of Himmler's signature, plus the abbreviations S Lb. for "Seinem Lieben" or "His Beloved."

Sources :

SS Ehrenring

Heinrich Himmler

Legal / platform note

Items bearing prohibited symbols may be restricted in some countries or marketplaces. Please ensure compliance with local laws and platform rules.

Rings are made of sterling silver of 925 standard using jewellery style of 1930s and technologies of that time. Each ring is tailored for each customer, in accordance with information given in the purchase order. Each and every ring is a unique, handmade product; therefore, manufacturing time might amount up to 7 days. We are not engaged in wholesale.