Before I went on vacation, I edited the "galley" of the Totenkopf Ring book, and was pleasantly surprised to get the final layout returned to me by Schiffer for a final look through. Caught a few errors, and it's already on the way back to Schiffer via fedex, with no additional edits to do. So, I'm pleased to say "it's done." I don't know how long it will take to print, but I will begin taking pre-orders on September 30th or thereabouts. Here's a sample of an advertisement that will run in The Military Trader "Max Show" edition.

Craig,,,That's GREAT..I know any type of undertaking like this while continuing to hold a regular job is just a miracle that it gets done..
You pulled it off and I'm very happy for you.

Hey,,how about discounts for your loyal GDC Honor rings Forum crew!! ,,Thanks and Congratulations

Craig, Will you have it in time for the MAX?

Craig,

Looking forward to it.

Well, the book has been at the printer for about 2 weeks now, and Bob at Schiffer says that we can hopefully expect the first copies off the press sometime in November. However, given that this my first book, Bob cautioned me that delays can happen, but I'm fairly certain we'll have something out before Christmas.

I will begin offering pre-orders of the book on my website, on October 1, 2008. I'll offer two versions: a signed and numbered limited edition (don't worry, I'll sell as many signed and numbered copies as there is demand for, for 60 days after the books ship). For those who genuinely don't care about a signed and numbered edition (totally understandable), and want to save some money, I'll also sell the normal book for the cover price. You will of course be able to get books from other dealers as well. However, if you order from me, you'll likely be first to get your copy, as I already have a standing order with Schiffer for a large number of copies.

The funny thing is, I was submitting last minute additions even as recently as this Monday, and Bob was gracious enough to get one last photo in before he cut me off. Some of the new material in the book:

1) Photos of the Karl Wolff 1933 ring, and a partial list of Christmas recipients.

2) Proof that there were indeed rings produced in 1935.

3) A new approach to explaining Honor Ring dates and why they were selected.

4) A statistical analysis of rarity by year, and by engraved date.

5) The origin of the "Buried Ring Trove" legend at Wewelsberg, directly from the source.

My hope is that the book stimulates a new era of ring study and interest, as I truly believe these artifacts to be the most interesting of all awards produced and bestowed during the Third Reich.

Just a quick note that I'm now accepting pre-orders for the TK ring off of my website. Please excuse the "commercial" nature of this post, but since I've gotten tons of questions about it, I figured this would be one of the easier ways to answer them all in one go.

Hi Craig,

can you post a few pic's from your book inside,to quicken the appetite for your book ?

Just a note to let everyone know that I received the first books today (Saturday). My bulk-order will begin shipping next week to pre-orderees, and I'll be selling them at SOS. Thank you all for your patience during the unfortunate 2 month delay!

As one of the 1st to read Craig Gottlieb's new reference on the Totenkopf Ring, I have to say that his work was outstanding on this book. He combines not only a wonderful reference guide for the collectors of these much sought after SS officer's rings, but also puts into text & photos the history behind the ring that ties it all together in a chronological timeline. Not just for the collector of these prized SS artifacts, but also for the WWII historian too, this well researched and written reference encompasses both for the reader. Well done Craig, and I thank you for this true accomplishment and contribution to the collecting community. JR

I hope mine comes soon!

We are shipping books in the order they were purchased, and we have a big group going out tomorrow. For the record, my extensive list of footnotes that document my sources did not make it into the book. So, for this and for the 2 month delay in the book's release, I offer my apologies.

Craig, without referring to actual sources...is it only opinions that the reader must rely upon? I think that would be the most critical part of the book. No source...reminds me of the old adage, "buy the item, not the story".

I look forward to seeing it and comparing to Don Boyle's books. His sources are well documented.

Good luck with your effort..

Mark

To draw my conclusions, I draw on period source documentation copied by me from the National Archives in College Park MD, or from collectors and researchers (who are thanked in the acknowlegments). All of these documents are themselves fortunately reprinted in the book, along with translations where practical, or summaries when needed. The footnotes that are missing are mostly clerical in nature. If it becomes an issue, which it should not, it will be easy to post a "footnote guide" on the major forums, or on my website. I tried to be fair and balanced, and did not represent opinion as fact. Where opinion is given, it's stated as such.

Looks great Craig,,Congrats and best of luck with it..
I'd suggest anyone in serious study of the HR to make sure they have ALL 3 of the books out there, Patzwalls, Dons of course, and Craigs..

I agree with Gaspare. You cannot have enough information and perspective on this subject, given the huge cost involved in owning this very small but interesting piece of silver.

I received my copy last week and it's extremely well done. High quality binding, sharp and detailed photos, and a well researched history and background to the SS rings. Don Boyle's book and subsequent revised editions were groundbreaking when they originally came out, and I give Don a lot of credit for the work and research he did back when the rings were of relatively little interest and not so highly priced or prized. Craig's book is the logical next step, with more data and better images, and much more information to go by.
Great job!
Erich

OK, now I get it. Don't you work with/for Craig? If not I apologize...some Erich does and that need to be mentioned.

On the 26th Craig wrote that he had received the books and had a big group going out on the next day, the 27th...that was a Friday. How did you receive a copy that fast last week? Overnight FedEx?

Mark

Hello Mark,
I don't work for Craig, but he is certainly a good friend of mine. I've been collecting for 40+ years and, at this point, don't need to jump on anyone's bandwagon. If the book was poorly done, I wouldn't have said anything in deference to our friendship. And because I'm within 50-60 miles or so, I receive mail in a day from his part of the city.
I sometimes help watch his tables if I'm at the same show, but it's as a favor and I usually watch other friends'/dealer's tables as well, if asked.
Finally, I understand that Rob Wells was one of Craig's harshest critics in the past. He wrote the forward of the book, and again, if the book was bad, I assume he wouldn't have wanted to associate himself with it.
Erich

I recieved my copy today and it looks to be well done. Looking forward to reading it tonight.

Erich, OK. I guess I will read the book and see what I think. Thanks for the info.

Mark

Got my copy today too, I'm looking forward to getting into it myself.

I recieved my copy today. IT'S COOL MAN !. Oop's Im shouting. It's cool man.

Nice job Craig. It was a fascinating read.

I received my copy and I find it interesting. Any additional books written on any subject is a good thing.

Great book !

Great reference material .

Thanks Joe Semen

After reading Craig's book, Don Boyle's just went into a box in the attic.