as we are coming into the festive season,and some holidays i will start this thread again with some pictures i think odal wanted over the weekend dig YOURS OUT,..... thanks E

Just got this one yesterday. - Cheers, Rob

great ring .....BB got the same stone differant shank i know you love your w.w rings same as i do let the battle commence

BB, glad it was you at least that got it!

This really is a beauty.
I wonder if somehow they use the same tooling on these glass ones. They are exact of their metal conterparts the ones I've seen. Don't you have this one in brass? If you do when you get the chance throw a ruler up on them and see if they are the same demensions,,thanks!

*ringman,,since we lost both our WestWall ring topics lets make this one the be all end all. Please, any members with a West Wall, or West Front please put them up!

Here's the one that started it all,,the original, now classic standard example:

Another.. This is a common one. It might take a while ,,but you'll eventually find one in very good condition,,don't wait too long though!!
These came with a silver wash, matt and polished,, and also with just a clear type varnish right over the brass [messing]...

bad photo I know,,but,,
,this is a little harder pattern to find.
Brass, this one with the polished or flashed [quick] silver plate on it..
Doesn't matter what was on them it is usually off by the time we get them

g the second one has a purplish tint in the lower parts of the ring i have a couple of rings the same why the colour ?

,,in hand they appear normal,,here is from my quickie photo taking without proper lighting..

If yours have the purplish hue it could just be from wear, age, polish,etc. Or the color of your box background [black sometimes] affects their color when looking at them.

*Come on now ringman, get your WWs up here!

*

sorry G but i carn't go along with that the ring is the same one as that and has the same purplish tinge ,was there ever a coloured wash on them ? to much of a coincidence for the same ring to have this tinge.. ill post mine tomorrow i'll take them in the daylight

I'll try and make a better shot too,,it could just be the ageing of the varnish that changed the hue...

For years I've had in hands a westwall 1939-40 totenkopf ring (with the text on the forhead) that looked very good (with black wash ) only it had partly a coloured purple wash in the recesses. Perhaps this can happen to be sometimes on authentic rings.

It is a good idea to remake the Westwall ring item ...

with fortress.....

front....

leftside.....

right side...

backside.....

westwall ring with skull , found in a group of cheep modern jewellery....

leftside....

front side......wellworn....brushed his theeth too much....

right side....

backside...

backside 2.....

mark: 835 f star and kind of bee hive...

Hi!

The last ring could be too a "west-front"-ring.
both patterns are existing "west-wall" and "west-front".
I have a nice "west-front"-piece in very good condition. same stamps/manufacturer.

The first rind with the red stone: wow!! a real nice ring.
I have to hunt to get one!


Odal

Rob and Gaspare, you have nice rings gentlemen .
Odal, I think you are right. These rings have the same design , only the text is different.

here we go

try again

second

third

fourth

fifth

i have some more to put on tomorrow any questions or more photos just ask . thanks E

Hi ring man

I have nearly the same ring like the last, but with an onyx-plate.
I allways thought it`s a fake. Will post him these days.


odal

sorry for the poor small photo..

another example.. Brass, with a silver plate.
Oaks on this side:

Laurels on this side:

nu mber six

number seven

number eight

number nine nearly mint copy sorry i think thats a bit of cake on it !!

number ten worn ring. number nine is not a fake copy sorry if there was any confusion.

last one or is it

FABULOUS examples guys!! really!! keep them coming...

*ringman,,your "last one or is it" example,,is that a 2 piece?

Heres a high copper content brass one. Had at one time a silver wash.. Thie is a West Front example..They made the exact ring also in West Wall...:

yes two peice G ilike that last one never seen one before E

Wow!
I would be happy about any of these rings!!!

cheers

odal

I agree with you odal, I would be happy too.


Gaspare, I like the design of your ring.

Eamonn , is the cake on the ring German too?

We all deserve a big piece of cake for this nice topic.
This topic it's a pleasure!

strudle of course

As many as we have posted here we have just scratched the surface. The West Wall/Front ring is the most multifarious of 3rd. Reich rings.

Here is another. Brass with mat silver wash. Once very common, now you really got to hunt it down:

ringman,,my 2 piece,, more similar to Bentens:

nice, very nice.... we are waiting BB

Hi!

I think now it`s the right time to say "thank you" to all members of the forum.

Fellows, friends, specially ring man (who starts this topic for me), gaspare and all others:

I wish you a merry christmas, a happy new year, health, all other good wishes and, of course, good luck for hunting new rings.

For christmas-time pictures from two west front rings on a german christmas-cookie - from his pictures I think ring man would like it

best regards


odal / germany

1

2

3

Ha,ha,Excellent Odal.. Thank you..

O.K., we'll have to dig deeper in our collections for more examples...

Wishing all Happy, Healthy Holidays over the coming week!

*

Odal, thanks for your nice and festive pictures. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and... many rings.

Thanks for posting your rings, guys! Belated best wishes for the holidays to all; hope you got to spend Christmas with loved ones........Here's the first Westwall ring I got and still my favorite. Must be one of the scarcer styles as I've seen maybe 3-4 in total. - Cheers, Rob

Also by the frontal way the text is placed, it gives the impresssion of this fortress you really can't conquer it.
Rob, nice ring and a nice close up!

good to hear from you BB is that a purpleish tinge in your ring there ?

Maybe a little, E. Not as much as this common one.

Another one you see a lot.

This one has the cheap "flash" plating Gaspare has mentioned here.

This tiny one must have been a sweetheart ring. I haven't seen another with this face and shank combination, myself.

BB, your photography skills have really improved,,those are great shots..Never get tired of seeing those beauties..

Couple more. Still in the WW catagory,,this one a bit different ...

,,,and his WW brother,,,

Rob and Gaspare , I had no idea that so many Westwall rings existed ( and I presume there are much more?).
Rob, I complimented you before for your photo's , but Gaspare your skills are very good.

Benten, there are many more patterns/ styles!

This is one I've had for many years.. Years after I've had it I had come acros a bracelett with a bunch of different medalions on it, tanks, motorcycles, AA guns etc.
The AA gun is the same as the high copper content ring I showed above. And, I also have a motorcycle ring that has the same front as the medallion bracelett,,
,Now this ring with what I assume is a WW bunker.

This one I been searching for a good example for years. I've seen a couple in really nice shape. Silver wash to band, gilt to front!
My Mother in Law brought me thhis one a few weeks ago from a dig so I at least have an example now..
Kind of tough to see.. Iron cross and oaks on sides. Has 1939 /40..Then a eagle flying, a bunker, 'Dragons teeth' tank trap at bottom and West Wall at bottom....

The image on the first ring, could be a bunker indeed. Considering the tree, it looks more symbolic ( Symbolism style ) than a real tree and the type of band decoration ... possibly the ring is earlier than ww2 .

Benten, I'll get a photo of the bracelet with all the emblems up here for you to see. Everything on it WW2 related that's why I figured its a WW piece..


*Members. Any other type West Wall/Front regalia with the exception of the medal please feel free to put them up here*..

Now, here's a favorite of mine. From the same series as ringmans red one,,,,West Wall, 1939-40 and Skull!,Brass, Black Glass! :

give me give me wounderfull rings on this site in the last 5 weeks let any forum beat these

you got it ringman!! This is the first forum for rings and although has went through many changes still the best..
As I've said before I wish we all could have a few HRs in our collections but for some of us it might never happen,so theres many styles private purchase rings to take up the slack,,SO,,
**Have a Happy New Year guys,,time for me to head on out for a few drinks to celebrate the new year! 2008! wow man,,unbelievable!!

Benten, heres that bracelet. I've had it for many years. Other side has same emblems. ALL these emblems have appeared on a ring. If you look close the AA gun here is the same as the West Front I posted above. I also have the tank and the M/C.
A friend of mine has the helmeted soldier with eagle. Now the bunker might be for the West Wall,,or your probably correct and just symbolizes one of the many WW2 bunkers..But lets make believe for this topic its a WW! ,,O.K./ guys,,meet you in Times Square in 1 hour! First few rounds on me!!!!!!!!!!

Gaspare, then the next rounds for the evening will be on me!
A Happy and Healthy New Year !!

Your bracelet " Greeting from Denmark" is interesting. Most logicly would be that the bracelets and rings are made for the Wehrmacht to take home as keepsake.

THATS IT!?! Come on now,,,
Don't make me get out the heavy stuff

O.K. , a variation of the standard classical West Wall ring.
This one Zinc,,has a silver wash at one time...

Please, if you have photo of WW rings you do not own you can still post them here.
Please credit the owner if you know and make them originals, maybe variations of what we've already posted if need be..Thanks..


*Reverse,,I tried making one once,,got all messed up,,alot harder than it looks..

Gaspare, very good pictures. Listening to your call, I found some stored pictures from a few years ago, when I didn't acurate book-keeping them ; so I don't know from where they are coming. Still, I hope you like it.

Another ring from my archive...... Gaspare this one is a bit familiar ....try to find some more pictures.

The spiral West Wall ring and the accompanying picture are interesting as all get out. I'd like to know more about them. Are the soldiers in the picture making some? Why did they pick that form? Are they made from a symbolic wire or something from the West Wall fortifications?

--dj--Joe

Hi Joe,
Unfortunatelly the text on the picture is blurry.
The ring designs could be inspired by old Germans and Celts motives.

Joe, originally,,made by bored soldiers. There was miles and miles of scrap wire to use. Yes those are soldiers making the rings!.After it go too big of an operation it was stopped.
Smelling profits the rings were made in the spiral form and many many types by the jewelers / retailers of the time..

That sprial design is seen on many pieces of jewelery of the period as well as in drawings and I think on a few WHW pieces..

*I only have scans of scans of that same newspaper clipping. None clear. I'd love to have a nice clear scan from an original. Anyone?, please contact me thru my email,,thanks..*

*More WW rings..
This is another pattern I've always looked for and can't seem to nail down:

Benten, Gaspare, thanks.

--dj--Joe

I get a lot of emails asking about West Wall/Front rings. I usually refer them to this topic so I'm going to pin it to the top for a while...

Please ad more as you guys get them,,and, if your sure about one even if it doen't belong to you post it and give proper credit for reference sake..

This one from an old auction. Many different bands and glass colors on front. Have't seen these reproduced ,,yet........

were you lucky enough to get that one G

Wow!
The one with the green stone ist the ring of the rings by west-wall rings!!!!
A real beauty!!!!
Maybe some day i get one too.


odal

ringman,,no ,only glass one I have is the black glass with skull shown on this page..
Here's another variant,,yellow or amber:

thats a bummer yes i have a ring the same as the last one shown

Whats up fellows?
No more "westwall-rings"?
The sme ring as gaspares - two replies before with the green glas stone - goes in ebay germany this days for 142,--€.

cheers

odal

quote:

Originally posted by benten:
Gaspare, very good pictures. Listening to your call, I found some stored pictures from a few years ago, when I didn't acurate book-keeping them ; so I don't know from where they are coming. Still, I hope you like it.

Hello benten,
where is that clipping of the Westwall-Ring from? Can you indicate me the source or give me a copy?

Great thanks

Gerd

Come on friends!

Some more "West Wall" - rings.
Maybe in enamel?
Dit enamel rings exist?
Who has one?

cheers

odal

I don't think I've seen an enamel WW ring, but here's some others.

And these...

And these.

NICE!,,what an excellent selection of some of the many different patterns..

Only one silver one yes? first page,,2nd of your updated ones,,middle ring, bunker with plane? or is that brass with wash?
Thanks for showing us.

Don't think I've seen a enamel WW or WF,,anyone??

**

realy nice rings!!!
You must be glad about this collection!
Thanks for showing us!

odal

I saw it, wanted it and got it!

./.

BadBob and Odal thank you for posting your nice rings.
I'm still surprised by the many various types of Westwall rings.

very nice gents very nice!!!

Here is a silver westwall ring. What is your opinion about it.

frontside.....Note the right "window" is closed.

frontside closer.....

With a bit too much light , not a nice picture , but you can see more detail.....

detail.....

side.....

and the backside.....The halfmoon holes left and right are the places where the helmets are stamped on the outside.

B. ,,Just my own personal preference,,I don't like any of the silver examples of this exact pattern.. I've checked and checked. In period ads, back tracking thru provenence, and the only silver examples have been the reproductions..
I'm not stating ALL Westwall rings were NOT silver.. Only that certain patterns were only offered in brass with silver wash, zinc, or a pot metal.. All with either a mat finish silver wash ,or a chrome like flash plating.. There are those that disagree and that's fine but to date no one has shown a 100% provenance for a silver version nor has a period ad been found offering it in silver.....

Gaspare thank you for your reply.
I'll put the ring in my collection box, near the other Westwalls, but I'll keep in mind your opinion.
Ofcourse.....Let's hope we'll get an evidence for it's orginality in the future.

i have nearly the same in silver - but baught as an copy.
Untill this time i had no sure original in silver in my hands

regards

odal

Got a new one. Very simple.

Very chunky, too.

No markings.

nice catch there BB!!
There was a time that West Wall/Front stuff was super popular,,and they were giving out the medals by the dozen!
I've seen this ring and few others like it. Looks like home made job but they were jeweler made..

Is it magnetic?
Is it a 'plate' on it or solid material thru out? Thanks ,
G.

I baught these days absolutly the same. Its one piece,not magnetic.
I think brass, nickel plated

BB very simple design and very nice Westwall ring.
It is in a top condition.

Yes, it's non-magnetic and heavily plated.........Congratulations Odal, on the new ring with green stone and filigreed mounting; really nice. Most likely a "Sweetheart" ring, IMHO..........Gaspare - I will post more on that silver(?) WW ring in my collection as soon as I get the right photo. I've tried a couple of times and wasn't happy with the results.

i baught them together, the green stone ring an dthe last you showed us.
Both in best condition - but not cheap

Here's my little book case again. Roughly 3 X 3.5 cm.

I have a photo of what little book it held buried somewhere. I will post it if I ever find it!

I keep forgetting to include this one in my collection shots because of its case. I think Gaspare has mentioned these might be post-war?

Absolutely fantastic rings you all are showing.
I was given this ring with box last week so I'm glad to contribute something.

Another one I forget about because I keep it with the skull rings.

A comparison of two of this common style in different metals.

More wear to the white metal one.

*

Another comparison. I think the one on the right was silver plated, which is what has turned black.

**

***

A close up of this one.

....And this one again.

nice rings bb NOW CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THAT PURPLE TINGE IS ITS DRIVING ME MAD

It's tarnish, E. It happens to brass KM daggers as well.

mmmmm not convinced bb got the same ring excactly the same tarnish and colour but not on other brass rings i can post a pic if you want

Maybe it's the brass in these specific rings? Impurities that cause them to go purple more so than others? Just a guess.......Here's a style not posted yet. (Credit to owner.)

Another. (Credit to owner.)

One like Gaspare posted on page 3, but this one looks only silver plated. (Photo credit to edlano.)

Can't remember where these are from. (Photo credit to edlano.)

One that was sold by The Ruptured Duck. A 2 piece ring like Benten's on page one.

One I think belongs to somebody here?

This is a cool one.

Looks like a Messing ring.

Another too-tiny blurb on the coiled rings. I think I got this here, too.

A horrible Ebay photo of one I've never seen elsewhere.

A bracelet with coils similar to the rings.

*

**

And another a bit plainer.

I've noticed that there's some variance in this style of ring. At left is mine, the other is one sold by Kai Winkler.....Note the positions of the posts over which I've put a red dot.

*Mikee,,very nice,,that's the classic form tht started it all..

*Ringman,, the color is one, or a combo of: ,patina,,a shellac,, left over polishing compound,,old paint residue..

*BB, your still the baddest! Thanks for showing part of your collection and other examples from your files..

*Now,,can someone PLEASE hook me up with a West Wall bracelet!!

Another seldom seen.

(Photo credit to owner.)

Another rare sweetheart style. I think this was from an Ebay auction.

This one from a Berlin outfitter's ad looks vaguely like the 2nd last ring I posted.

Another bracelet style, at Manion's a while back.

I haven't compared them yet, but the main sections of the 3 posted bracelets so far might be identical.

Then there's this one, pictured here in an old Manion's catalogue.

The coiled rings came in this shape as well.

Another I should have bought. This sat at Major PLM for a long time.

Then it sold and I haven't seen one since!

I'm not familiar with this one with Oak leaf overlay. (Photo credit to owner.)

I've seen a version of the overleaf,,,but that one from the PLM site!! wow a new one for me. YES, you shoulda!!

Damn! I thought so.........Here's another 2 piece with a different band than the one on page 5.

I think these were from Manion's again.

One of Gaspare's from the old Westwall ring thread.

unbelievable how much different patterns and styles.
I think we can collect west-wall-rings for the whole life and ditn`t get all existing patterns.

Much thanks for showing us!


Odal

Another ad from the Berlin concern.

Thanks for posting BadBob. So many different Westwall rings ..... I fully agree with Odal. In one's life, you already could collect only these rings.

Common one goes for EUR 106.88. Uncommon one goes for EUR 66.00.

This one looks to have the same face as mine at the top of page 3, but a different shank style.

Another new one for me. Does anyone have another?

2.

3.

Picked up this one as well. The entire face was plated originally; there are some tiny remnants left.

Not quite round anymore.

More of an Art Deco look than the traditional Oak leaves.

I'd call it a variant of this one, although not identical.

"Another new one for me."

Thats one sweet ring BB!. Great condition just the plating off,,,nice!

Your 'Art Deco' one too,,really nice, and both very hard variations to get!

BB I just can thank you for showing so many nice westwall rings. Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by benten:
BB I just can thank you for showing so many nice westwall rings. Thanks!

Same to you benten, you've certainly added much to this thread....I've tried counting the distinct types of Westwall rings pictured here so far, and I get around 56. I don't think you'll find anything like that on another forum. - Cheers, Bob

You got that right. Unmatched collection of rings anywhere.

Hope this ring is ok

front......

830 stamp....

and the backside....

The shank is different than on any of mine, but I'd be shocked if that wasn't OK! I see a lot of gold colour; is this a gold plated, silver ring? - Bob

Yes BB, there is a kind of goldlayer on the silver ring. Probably a very cheep goldlooking material.

Benten - If you don't mind, please post it in the "Grinning" Skull Ring thread I started recently. It's certainly a variation of that style. - Bob

quote:

Originally posted by Gaspare:

Only one silver one yes? first page,,2nd of your updated ones,,middle ring, bunker with plane? or is that brass with wash?
Thanks for showing us.

**

Here it is, G. Still haven't got it to a professional jeweler or goldsmith yet, but I will. The "heft' of it doesn't feel like silver to me, and the sales staff at our jewelry store didn't think it was, either. The detail is really good, right down to the landing gear on the plane. Remember the dark area on one corner that I thought might be revealing a base metal? I took some jeweler's rouge to it, and it turned out to be just the same kind of brown/green staining you can see in other areas! So, at the moment it seems like a solid white metal to me, but I don't know which.

Side.

F-star stamp, but no silver content.

*

Another one, apparently stamped 835.

2.

Another in Silver.

II.

III.

quote:

Originally posted by BadBob:

quote:

Originally posted by Gaspare:

Only one silver one yes? first page,,2nd of your updated ones,,middle ring, bunker with plane? or is that brass with wash?
Thanks for showing us.

**

Here it is, G. Still haven't got it to a professional jeweler or goldsmith yet, but I will. The "heft' of it doesn't feel like silver to me, and the sales staff at our jewelry store didn't think it was, either. The detail is really good, right down to the landing gear on the plane. Remember the dark area on one corner that I thought might be revealing a base metal? I took some jeweler's rouge to it, and it turned out to be just the same kind of brown/green staining you can see in other areas! So, at the moment it seems like a solid white metal to me, but I don't know which.

Habe auch einen solchen Ring mit einem leider unleserlichen Silber-Stempel von 5 mm Länge auf der Ringschiene.

Sorry, I didn't say it in English. So I can add that my ring seems stamped 835 plus some more (two?) signs, over all a hallmark of 5 mm of length. There is no doubt that my ring is in silver, but no thick material.

Gerd

Gerd, welcome to the forum.. Please if you can put up some photos of yours. It's free to post photos,,but they must be under 100kb...Thanks,G.

quote:

Originally posted by Gaspare:
Gerd, welcome to the forum.. Please if you can put up some photos of yours. It's free to post photos,,but they must be under 100kb...Thanks,G.

Hi Gaspare,

thank you for your encouragement.

At the moment, I am going to publish, in a German historical review, some 70 westwall rings, nearly half of them mine, with historical introduction, description and pictures of the rings. Some of them I took from this website, especially from BadBob's wonderful collection.
It seems to become the first study on that subject. Or do you know others?

I'll think over some rings of mine to put them up here the next days or weeks.- Sorry, my English is not as good as it should be.

Gerd

Not to worry your English is fine..
Gerd.,, Please when you get a chance post some of your WW rings here..

I too have been working on a book of 3rd reich rings.. It will cover all branches of service and of course the WestWall ring. I will show originals, reproductions, period advertisements, period photos in wear, 'Specials', and much more..
I've been working on it for a few years now on and off and hope to have it done by years end and then it will go to the publisher..

A few tips for you.. Most photos taken off the internet are NOT good enough to use in a book. They are much too small and will not reproduce well once in print..For example, this site only lets photos of around 100 kb,,that is nowhere big enough to use in a book...
Also, every publisher will required a separate permission [sometimes signed] for every piece you use that is not yours.. Its a lot of work and I wish you much success... ,G.

You are absolutely right, Gaspare.

My publication will be not a book, but only an article in a quarterly, very simple.

Very interesting, your own project. And much more encyclopedic. That is what is needed! So I wish you good luck with your book and hope to hear about it soon.

Gerd,, do you have this already? If you need it email me and I'll send a large scan for you to use...,G.

This is great, Gaspare! I've never seen that photo. It must date from the 2nd half of 1939 to the 1st half of 1940 when Grau was on duty at the Siegfried Line (Westwall) as a soldier ... I urgently like to have it for my article to be published. It will be quite in time. I send you an e-mail as requested ... and my sincere gratitude.
Gerd

here a ring for ladies or chilren - smal size - made from turned wires

backside

i like that odal , what does everyone think of these silver westwall rings popping up any thoughts ?

Hi Gaspare and fellas! I thought I would add two of mine, the first I think is sort of scarce..enjoy! Great to have have you guys around! Eddie aka Feldwebel

And the old grinning Totenkopf!

Great photos Eddie, thanks for posting. I agree, you don't see that first one much!

Sehr schön - very nice!

*odal,I agree,,that's a rare variant of the original WW for ladies,,very nice!

*ringman,,yes, be very careful as they reproduce these rings very well..

*Welcome Feldwebel I.,, 2 very nice rings. The skull is getting harder and harder to find..Your 'bunker/barbwire ring is another hard one to find especially with the variant sides of West and Wall on each side..

Thanks for showing for showing your rings guys!

quote:

Originally posted by odal:
here a ring for ladies or chilren - smal size - made from turned wires

Thanks for giving us a good look at one of these twisted styles, Odal..........Gaspare, what is the story on Gottfried Grau above?

quote:

Originally posted by ring man:
i like that odal , what does everyone think of these silver westwall rings popping up any thoughts ?

I think some are poorly cast from their brass versions. Like this one: Silver WW ring.

Here's one not posted yet, and the only one like it I've seen.

The band is the same as the ring with the plane last page.

*

i,m with you bob on this for 2/3 years i have never seen one now they seem to turn up quite alot.

Another one, E. No point in posting the photo of it: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180264052820

to ring-man:
I think the earliest (silver)- copies here in germany are sold to veterans and collectors in the early 70ies.
I - myself - own a ss-ring, given from the brother of my grandfather in 1972 or 1973, but complete fantasy and grand-uncle Albert was in the SS (Div. "Das Reich")
I think much copies and fakes are all around - some copies from original old dies - hard to say which time some rings made.
Sorry my english.

regards


Odal

BB. Gottfried is supposed the one to [blame?] start making those wire bent circular WW rings. A enterprising guy considering he was supposed to be on duty.. Short lived fame as his production soon stopped after a few speech's condemning such pieces.. Jewelers/commercial manufacturers were quick to pick up production and even the 3rd Reich itself as they actually made a WHW model!

Odals right. There is tooling out there. But its a big cost to make them the way they were made. What happens is usually a rubber mold is made from the tooling or one mint factory exmple ring and then produced by the newest methods of lost wax casting...

It's taken me this long to notice that the bunker on my ring has 1 gun slit when most others I've seen have 3!

Not a problem BB. I own a master die for that ring,,it has 3 'windows' [and a high 3].. But,,doesn't mean that one firms working dies didn't start getting wear on one of the outside windows so the repair could have been to eliminate the windows on each outside..

quote:

Originally posted by Gaspare:
Not a problem BB. I own a master die for that ring,,it has 3 'windows' [and a high 3].. But,,doesn't mean that one firms working dies didn't start getting wear on one of the outside windows so the repair could have been to eliminate the windows on each outside..

.....................Yes, but now I need one with 3!

quote:

Originally posted by BadBob:

quote:

Originally posted by Gaspare:
Not a problem BB. I own a master die for that ring,,it has 3 'windows' [and a high 3].. But,,doesn't mean that one firms working dies didn't start getting wear on one of the outside windows so the repair could have been to eliminate the windows on each outside..

.....................Yes, but now I need one with 3!

... probably I can help you with that ....?
Gerd

hey ,yeah,,and now we all need the 'super rare' one window variant!

an other pattern with glas-stone for the Westwall-"Freaks"
Ring is brass, stone glas, size about 11 x 16 mm.
Enjoy it!
What you think about

side

and back

I have the same ring but without the eagle/swastika. Mine has the dates,1939- 40

Thats a really good ring. Haven't seen one with the eagle like that.. Hope you bought it!!!

Its the first with such eagle i saw - and its mine

Very cool, odal!

quote:

Originally posted by odal:
Its the first with such eagle i saw - and its mine

Are you sure that your ring is genuine, odal? It should be very interesting to know its history!

Anyway, a very nice piece I have never seen before.

Gerd

These are very well known wartime period rings.. There are examples on pages 1,2 and 3 of this very thread. I have the exact ring but without Eagle&Swas, I believe its on page 3. It came in a small grouping directly from Germany from the family of the German vet that brought it home... Now I am looking for a red glass one!

to G.: good luck for hunting

Another silver one up for grabs: Ebay link.

bob i put a bid on this ring ,but i still admit these worry me i know i'm only 4 years into collecting but in the last six months this is the 9th or tenth one ive seen shakey legs for me i'm afraid !!

odal that is a great ring totally original skull and westwall exactly the same as mine know one would ruin a good ring for the eagle on there well done

quote:

Originally posted by ring man:
bob i put a bid on this ring ,but i still admit these worry me i know i'm only 4 years into collecting but in the last six months this is the 9th or tenth one ive seen shakey legs for me i'm afraid !!

E - They don't mention any markings, and seller wasn't sure the ring was silver. It REALLY reminds me of the one I have. I finally took mine to two jewelers last week who said it's not silver! I don't think this one is either, now. Sorry if I put someone off it. - Bob

Another silver one; in Israel: Ebay link.

Another. Says silver but I doubt it. Only $395: Ebay link.

Found a side shot of this one I've already posted.

Odal and BB thanks for showing.

I've picked up another uncommon one. Kind of a crude Flak gun and plane; almost looks like a V1 rocket.

Side view. Please ignore the dog hair.

Open band on it. The seller threw in the nice old box, but it's for 2 rings which Gaspare says were likely wedding bands.

Hollow area extends into the shanks..........That's all for now. Let's see some more from the lurkers (or anyone)! hehehe - Bob

BB , almost all the silver examples on the last page [#8] are fake except your 3 [1] window Bunkers,,Odals black glass, and that bad condition one for $395.[ ]..

You new one here is a rare one! I gotta find mine to see if the band is the same.. I like to think of it as a BuzzBomb too! ...Good catch!

very interessting ring - never saw this pattern!
Thanks for showing!

quote:

Originally posted by gerdhagedorn:
You are absolutely right, Gaspare.

My publication will be not a book, but only an article in a quarterly, very simple.

Very interesting, your own project. And much more encyclopedic. That is what is needed! So I wish you good luck with your book and hope to hear about it soon.

Hello everybody!

The announced article of mine, presenting 69 westwall rings with photos (part of them in colour) and descriptions, has now been published (in German).

It consists of 27 pages and costs 5 EURO plus shipping and handling. See photo of cover.

Gerd

Gerd,,good work!!
Hook us up...
Please find out how much shipping is to the US and how we can make payment. Maybe they take PayPal? Thank you..,G.

*

Gerd,, if we can get some group orders would you be able to help us?

If we took orders here for the US and Canada I would gladly distribute to our members if they pay shipping..

I'm sure the European members could order direct..
I'll be away for a few days but lets see what we can do early next week...Thanks and great to see your mag is out...,G.

Congratulations Gerd! Nicely laid out cover; kudos to the designer. I also would like to know where to get an extra copy. I'll give it to the former owner of that middle ring. - Best of Luck, Rob

Thank you, Rob.
I'll send you two copies, Gerd

quote:

Originally posted by Gaspare:
Gerd,,good work!!
Hook us up...
Please find out how much shipping is to the US and how we can make payment. Maybe they take PayPal? Thank you..,G.

*

Thank you Gaspare! I also own that pamphlet on the invincible westwall! How times have changed! I beg your pardon for my ignorance: what's the meaning of "hook us up"? It is not in my dictionary, but I would like to know ...

Up to two copies shipping by airmail (letter) to the US is 9,00 EURO (if not more than 500 gram weight and if my information is correct).

Other rates depend on the number of copies respectively on their weight plus packing material. In the end, I think, the shipping cost will not exceed 9,00 EURO per copy plus 5,00 EURO price per copy, totally 14,00 EURO each (plus your expenses).

I am very pleased about your offer to get some group orders in the US and Canada. Thank you. I'll try my best to be of help to you. Regarding the payment, they don't take Paypal, but I will go to inform myself on the conditions of a Paypal account of mine. We'll find a way.

Please note: being the "Pruemer Landbote" a magazine for the members of the Pruem Historical Association there is only a restricted number of copies at disposal. I did not imagine such an interest on my article.

Unfortunately I have to go to hospital on 1st september. Probably it keeps me off until october.

Gaspare, for now I send you two copies. Have a look inside and see if it is worthwile.

Please, give me your postal address as soon as possible!!

All the best, Gerd

quote:

what's the meaning of "hook us up"? It is not in my dictionary, but I would like to know ...

Could it be "zuschalten"? To "connect" us with the publisher?

quote:

Originally posted by gerdhagedorn:

quote:

Originally posted by Gaspare:

Gerd,,good work!!
Hook us up...
Please find out how much shipping is to the US and how we can make payment. Maybe they take PayPal? Thank you..,G.

*

Up to two copies shipping by airmail (letter) to the US is 9,00 EURO (if not more than 500 gram weight and if my information is correct).

All the best, Gerd

Sorry Gaspare, I have to make a correction:

Shipping cost for 1 copy is 9,00 EURO, and for 2 up to 3 copies = 13,00 EURO

Gerd

sorry for the slang Gerd!

If members here in the US or Canada want a copy I'd mail it to them IF they pay first of course! It would come to me,,then I'd send to them..

*Members,,Gerd has written and it will be 14 euros to send a copy to me. That converts today to $20.50.. I could probably send a copy anywhere in the US or Canada for about $5. So it would be around $25. for you to get a copy. There's 69 WestWall rings! and probably a bunch of history...
*Please,if any member in the US or Canada would like a copy email me at Gtbua@aol.com.. It will take a week or so to set this all up so think about it and let me know.. I know BadBob is getting his copies! and I'll be getting a couple also,,,so, write and we'll see if we can get this going if you guys really want them... Thanks, G.

*Gerd, Thanks!,,received the copies of your fine magazine..

Friends, Gerd has done a great job of representing the WestWall ring in the magazine and also provides plenty of information. There are some very familiar examples in it and many new rings to oogle.
If your even slightly interested in collecting rings or in the history of the WestWall I strongly recomend getting this while you can!..

Here is some info on ordering from Europe:
Der Prümer Landbote (2008-3), Nr. 98, Seite 24-50, und kostet 5,00 EURO plus Versandkosten.

Das Heft ist erhältlich beim

Geschichtsverein Prümer Land
Wandalbertstr. 6
D-54595 Prüm
Fax: 06551-981336; aus dem Ausland: +496551981336

Not sure how many will be available but if anyone in Canada or the US would like one please just email Gerd and if there are any problems sending or receiving I'll be glad to help out..

Gerd , thanks again and a big congratulations to you! , G.

Don`t let this thread die!
Here my newest west wall-ring.
I think alpaka, no stamps, in very good condition.
For my the first in this pattern i ever saw.
Take a look

.

that sure is a different style of ring,,

Odal,
thank you for the pics. Certainly an uncommon westwall ring with that grotesque plate! Never seen before. It would be interesting to know where it is from.

Gerd

the seller is a militaria/westwall-collector, who lives near the former westwall.

Don`t sleep friends!
Here my last buy. Perfect condition. Brass, one piece, no marks, all over nickel plated (only the plate self not) here in the deeper sections lightly black paint.
Take a look and show me your news!

think its time to continue this thread.

How about a non-ring? I've finally got one of the half litre Westwall Beer Krugs; unfortunately, without the lid.

Cool stein!
I wish you always enaugh good german beer to fill it!

Odal,
That is a super nice ring! Congratulations!

BadBob,
Even w/o the lid l love the stein. Can't beat it to round out a collection and must make for a good back drop for your collection of rings. Very nice and thanks for showing it!

Thanks Mikee!

Here an other very simple pattern we still havn`t here

Odal, that is a nice ring, never seen before!
I presume that the letters are engraved with a drill.
Is the ring made of a kind of massive nickle or has the ring a layer(over the engraving)?

As always I appreciate your many contributions on the forum.

Benten

Thanks Benten, friendly words!

This ring i have a few years. I looks for me like a very cheap made massproduct.In the material i am not real sure. Only sure is that it is not magnetic.
I think the most probable is it is made from brass, machine engraved and heavy nickel plated

Great pieces guys!!

Yeah sure,, anything WestWall / Front related,,rings, pins, steins, anything..
Anyone have a pair of WestWall cufflinks?

Time to continue here. Here a pattern we still have in this thread.
Made for the K-WHW (Kriegs-Winterhilfswerk), Gau Baden.
Here a ring from my collection:

and here a a little bit different of this pattern i found in the web:

Interesting rings, Odal!

Benten

it's weird,,there had to have been a million of the wire wound WW rings to buy wholesale, but the W.H.W. thought best to 'stamp' up a bunch of reproductions to sell!

Sorry G., because of my not so perfect english i am not sure in correct understanding.
You think its possible this whw-rings could be reproduced?

Oh,, no,,I mean the WHW dept. reproduced them for sale during the period! I always wonder why they just didn't buy the 'real' ones in quantity and sell them... I guess these one piece ones were VERY cheap for them to make and make the most profit for the war effort..

Ah !

Yes, i agree with you. I think the simple reason for produce this rings as a mass product was the cheaper cost, so they could make more money in selling them.

here some more pics from a pattern we have still only one pic here in the topic.
Ring in Alpacca, large size

and a ring we all know, but i miss it here:

The "West Front" soldiers head. Also Alpacca.

2 new westwallrings: Almost all the silvering gone.

....

Westwall ring mit Kanone.

A well know pattern in very good condition!
What kind of plating it has?

And, Benten, like always great made pics!

Hi Odal,

I’m not sure about the plating. It could be chrome and/ or nickle, perhaps with or without a bit silver in it. The base is brass.

Thanks for your compliment about the pics. I think yours are very good too.

About this topic...........
This westwall-ring topic is going to his 30th page...and that is great.

Hi!
Yes this is a great topic, Benten!
It grows and grows! Unfortunately there are only a few people here and bring inputs :-(

Thanks for your answer about the plating of the last ring. I think mine is nickel or chrome plated too, but in not so nearly perfect condition.

Ok here an other pattern we have only a bad pic here.

The ring is brass and 2 piece. Band and plate are one piece without a seam.
The helmet is soldered on. The dates are punched in with dies.
All in all it looks nearly like a trenchwork, but i think its a very cheap made mass product.

Benten,,,your WestWall ring 'mit Kanone' is an old classic.
In the 1970s this pattern was very common, but by todays standards its a rare ring and in good condition,,really, a beautifully styled ring. I've seen 2 type of 'coloring',,one is a flat/mat finish silver wash type,,and the more common flash plating ,almost like a chrome.

Odal, thats another old classic. I've seen it many times but never owned one. That too also came with a silver wash at one time. A simple yet cool looking ring!

You both made two good catchs!

Thanks G. for friendly words!
I dit some searching and here i found a pic of such ring in my files!
(Sorry to the ring owner!)

Odal, indeed a good catch, for me one I never have seen before.

Gaspare, thanks for your reply. What could be a reason we don't encounter them now not so often anymore?

Benten

Benten a few reasons.. One being in the last 10 / 15 years there have been a large increase of ring collectors around the world and this pattern is a 'must have' for everyone!
2, the ring is a pleasant looking design,and because of there isn't any overt 3rd reich symbols/emblems even the regular ring/jewelry collectors wouldn't mind having in their collections..

Ok Gaspare.

Here are the recent Ebay fakes all in one place.

Thanks Rob for showing this fakes.
We all have to be careful!

o.k.,, lets keep this for authentic rings,,or at least rings we think are good!

Saw this on line. supposed to be a rifle shell end.

Here's one I picked up last month. Good condition. Size/joining seam to rear,,early makers mark. No content mark, appears to be a low quality silver.
This is a West Wall,,,I've heard but never even seen a West Front of this exact pattern.

Anyone with a WestFront please post!

G., here 2 identical westwall rings I found on other fora, unfortunatelly not mine...

I had an US picker that goes to Germany tell me that a few years ago they had found a sealed box full of these exact rings. 25 of them on bottom and 25 on top of case,,50 total per case. He said they took 10 and the rest never made it back to the US, they were sold to a collector in Germany!

They are part of the same makers series as the Skull West Wall/Front. I'd still love to see this pattern but with 'Front'.

Real beauties and still a pattern i miss in my collection!

Today i had 2 real beautyful new "comeins".
Both in perfect and mint condition from the closing of a former shop.
Enjoy!

no 1:

and no 2:

Both nice rings, Odal.

1st.ring; I like rings with bunkers and forests.

2nd.ring; A ring with Déco decoration around.
Even the backside of the stone is nicely finished as a jewel and not flat, which one should expect.
Top.

Benten

THX Benten!
Yes, both are a nice enrichment for my collection.

well probably my last ring for 2010!

Good used worn condition. Marked Alpacca [turned my finger color in 2 hrs wear time!], nice large size, good detail.

No 'West Wall' on it but,,
,
I had this pattern many years ago. Lost and now another resides in my collection thanks to a overseas friend..,G.

This is a pattern i real like too and still miss it in my collection

Nice one G!

Here my last "come in" in this year!

Again a ww-ring from the K WHW - and again an other manufacurer and some little differences to my other rings of this K WHW - pattern.

Slip well into next year!!!!

Gaspare, the ring is in a perfect condition.

Odal, good to see this K.WHW variation.

I wish you all a "Good Rutsch" this Evening 31 december 2010. Eat and drink well, but not too much and stay healthy

Here a pic of the Westwall: Winter 1944. I love these old black-white photos.

Benten

Cool pic Benten!

Lets go on. Here a new come in last day. Still in nice condition, but seam is open.
I think we have this pattern still here

had this a while but i don't think i've shown it original box and cotton wool no markings inside band.

Real nice!
And i think a rather rare one.
Mine has no box

A new come-in today.
I saw it these days and it was real horrible expensive.
But it is a ring that i couldn`t let pas and so i made a little deal (i payed still to much) and here it is.

Odal, Some of the WW rings that are around are kind of on the common side.. This pattern was and will always be a rare pattern. A very rare ring! Much money but after a long time collecting these are the pieces we need for our collections! Great catch!

Thanks G.!
Yes, this ring was a "must have" for me

Odal,that is a good "must have ring".

Nice rings being shown, hope my luck changes and I can gather up some of these. I use to see so many,but not so much anymore.

Much thanks Benten!

Mikee, i wish you all the luck you need to find the rings you want!

Thanks Odal,

I haven't given up and will continue to beat the bushes looking.

Here a new come in and a pattern we still havn`t here.
Brass, silver plating, deeper sections blackend, in unworn condition.

Just picked this one up from a vet's grandson. Almost all the silver wash is gone and no marks on it. Fits me well though!

Jeff

A very nice old veteran!

2 very nice additions to our topic!

Again a new come-in these days.
Ring in top-condition. Brass, some silvering glas-stone.
Ring is 5 piece. Band, shoulders, cartouche and stone.
Ring-diamater about 19 mm.
Stone about 12 x 16 mm.
Enjoy it:

Rare ring,,Some work there! Years ago I'm pretty sure I've seen this in thin brass.. great catch!

killroy, odal,

Very nice rings you have. Thank you for showing them! Best!

Thanks again, Mikee!
I had a little luck to get the last one.

I hope you have soon some luck too an you can us show
your come-in

Some days ago in an ebay-auction. Now in my little collection.
A pattern we still haven`t here.
Brass with some silverring and some black paint.

I wanted that ring but it past my budget, lovely catch!

Thanks svenga!

Yes, an real nice ring and not really cheap. But also a rather rare ring and so i think too the selling price wasn`t to expensive.
Its the only pattern of westwall rings i know that uses the german type for the inscription.

I also think some day you have reached the point that you have to look for the rarer rings to try to complete your collection.

Really a rare ring Odal. My compliments.

Benten

Thanks Benten!

odal,

Another great catch for your collection!You have a good eye! That's the first time I've seen Westwall spelled with a German "s" as well.

YES, one of the more rarer of WestWall/Front rings.. Great catch!

Did this have a box?,,do you think it is the original box for it?

Hi G.!
Very good to see you back again!

Yes, the ring came in with a nice old box.

Here two pics of the box. For sure a period box and possible for this ring

and here a link to a film fitting to this nice topic.
A youtube film about the "WESTWALL"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gf9X8GW-rY&feature=related

Odal, thank you! It is a pleasure to see this interesting film about the Westwall.

Here not a ring, but a little Westwall box. Glad to have it in the collection.

Yes, a bit rusty inside .
At this moment the rust is covered with Ballistol oil....sure it will be look better.

Thanks Benten!

Real nice little Westwall-item.
A for sure very small box. A box for what?
What do you think?
If i remeber right i have seen such a box yet somewhere here in this forum.

Our forum member BadBob also has a Westwall box in clear glas transparent as I remember well.


As a touristic item it had a general purpose:
I can imagine, it was to put in it a little photo, or small letter.

Maybe they brought/send it home by mail as a greeting present from the Westwall....

Just thoughts.

In later years these style boxes have often contained rosemary beads and had a picture of the current pope as a tourist item, i have also seen one with a picture of stalin.

Very envious with your ring Odal, even more now i realised i had unknown funding i could of used at the time!

Keep it safe!

It seems so that some answers get lost!!!!

Nevertheless.
Here a come in from these days. Ring is brass with heavy silverplating and has an "E *"? mark. Maybe too and not so pefect stamped "F *".
I think this is one of the rather rare originals of an often faked pattern.
All opinions are welcome.

Hi Odal, just a remark.

What I see, is a difference in quality. The leaves aside are rather smooth and at the front, the pebbles and certainly the text are crisp.



Let´s wait for more opinions to this nice ring here.
I give it a good chance.

Hi Odal,

I like the ring, I own the silver variant.

Cheers Bernhard

Thanks friends!

I know, Bernhard. It would be nice to see your ring here too.

Benten, i you what you mean and i think the origin for the little worser details on the sides is the real heavy plating.

Odal,, that IS a rare original of an often faked pattern. The fakes are very good, but not this good
So far nothing on the maker stamp but maybe in the future.

Thanks G.!

Look at this little box, it was on an auction, unfortunatelly no additionall info.

Benten

Oh yes, similar to the "Westwall"-boxes. I think religious

hard to picture

brass ringband and glas-front

Looks like the same stone as in my ring on page 33.
Yes, very hard toke good pics from this pattern :-(,
but a very hard to get ring also.
Congrats!

A super topic!

Here is a 'West Front' ring.. A very rare pattern. Brass with a silver wash..

Wow!
Never seen until now.
And now a new one on my wish list!
Thanks for showing us and i hope its yours!

Here a new one in my collection. Came in today its zinc, has a plating and well made seam.
Here some quick made pics

never seen pattern - but looks cool!

Thanks, B.!
And for sure rare!

Interesting ring Odal!

I also haven't seen this ring before.

For me, for now, more questions then answers;
Is the number something military/departement( Abteilung)?
Does the name Westfront mean ,not only the Westwall, but also the Atlantic wall?

Benten

Benten
i think the number inside is the number of unit of the former owner. Sometimes we se such personel markings in rings.
From the year 1939 i think it is primordial a westwall souvenir ring.

Thank you for your info!

I have the same but instead of WestFront it has a Infantry unit on it!
I've seen 10 or so of these,,,always zinc,,about half had that same unit [?] marking in band.. I'll try and get a photo.

I hope you get the pics - would be very interesting

I've had this ring since the mid 1970s.. Usually don't show it to keep the counterfeiters away.. Guess we'll see how hard they really do look here eventually!

Same cartouche,,different band,,diff. inside.. My Uncle said it was a 'flat silver' finish when he got it wartime,,probably had a silver wash....

Wow!
Much thanks!
The former silver finish you can still see on my ring.
Different year on the plate - the year of foundation of this unit. And, of course, a different inscription inside. But for sure the same ring pattern.
Maybe the inscription in my ring means the IR 488 or EB 488 - both foundet in 1939 and at germanys west border.

Thanks again - a very cool ring!

for a little more movement here:

A ring i got today with his brother

- lucky man Odal! Thats a pretty rare pattern WW ring!

http://germanring.lv/lv/32-westwall-siegwird-line

Yes Asis (Andris ), we have seen your website long ago.
Your rings look real well done, but your style is unique.

I am real curious on you next fake

Here a rather famous pattern we still haven`t here.
Brass with rests of silver plating, pretty worn, but i think a still nice one:

Looks like a nice well worn BigHead WW ring!

A good well known pattern. Seeing less and less of them.

Thanks G.!
The advert is cool.

Here a new one that i got today from an auction. It wasn`t expensive and i like it real.
A rather worn one in brass of a meanwhile not so often seen pattern.
I still have one of this pattern made of zinc.
Here a not so good quick shot:

,,
hey yeah a nice one!
Maybe a side by side with your Zinc example...

Usually [ supposedly?] late war they went to Zinc, especially when the dies got worn,,brass needed for the war front etc.. Maybe we can spot out some differences in depth and detail!

Real no good pics - but here the "side by side":

Hi!
Similar to the LVZ-West ring i got some months ago now i baught in an auction rather expensive a Westwall ring with a 8.8 Flak.
Ring is two piece and plated. Seperate plate is afixed with a rivet.
I think a very rare one and worth every cent.
Enjoy!

I think so too buddy!
After years of collecting finding new patterns becomes very hard and sometimes you gotta pay!
A great catch!



*

Thanks G..
Here still a sidebyside-shot of the two rings:

I'd go out on a limb here and say probably same maker..
Even the background of the cartouche has the same horizontal lines on them... Great addition to your collection!

well, in a box I haven't seen in a while,,,here we go!!!

This just goes to show that waste not want not.. They were going to use old staock no matter what.. Simply make a new cartouche as a device and affix on your old bands that aren't moving!

Odals fitted in ,,,mine crimped on/over.....

Wow G.!
Very interesting! Indeed exact the same cartouche on an other/older bandstyle. Affixed in a different way.
Enterprising(?) guys in that time!
Thanks or sharing that with us.
For sure a fine and very rare ring you have there.

And today came in the next in this row!
Again brass, two piece and plated. Plate hold again with a covered rivet and this horizontal lines on the plate are here again too.
Here some quick pics-

Very Nice!

Not a ring, but i think a nice Westwall pic. Made by grandpa 1939

These metal parts you don't see often on pictures about the Westwall.

Nice pic. Odal! Specially too because it's made by your granddad.

benten

odal,

That's a nice picture! Thanks for showing it.

Thanks friends!

A new come in of a well known pattern.
Nearly mint condition.
Enjoy:

Odal, this is a very nice ring. You certainly are the ring hunter!!
My compliments

Benten

Thanks Benten!

Hi all!!!
It is my the ring west wall.

An known rare pattern.
Congrats!

Nice rare ring, I've never seen before !

Benten

A nice new come-in in my collection.
WW-wire-ring, nearly mint - with manufacturers paper patch:

odal,

A great find! I don't recall ever seeing one with a tag. Do you? Thanks

I have seen one years ago, but i didn`t get it

But now i got this one

You are so lucky! Thank you for always sharing your finds with us.

Odal, I agree with Mikee. Very rare.

Benten

Klaus Butschek has this one in nice condition for 175€.

My yesterdays score dated 10.5.1940

good known WW pattern... They came with a silver wash but it must have come off very quickly,,don't think I've ever seen a mint example [wash 100%] of this pattern ..
This is in very good condition and a hard pattern to find,,good catch!!

Yes, very nice and rather rare one!
Congrats!

It's in very nice condition.

and my little contribution )))
I'm not sure that is 100% westwall topic, likely europe or poland time company ...
But here we dont have spetial topic and I put it here )))
By the way: ring has no traditional cover (chrome or silvered), ring has gold or somethig like it (yellow color)cover
I see it type of cover first time.

Some weeks ago i saw exct this pattern in a auction. took a low bid and missed it.
For me a ring i liked at once.
I think ist a german one similar to these Luft eagle rings.
Congrats!

And sorry, i for got.
It has real a plating? On the pics it doesn`t look so.
Maybe covered with Zapon-varnish against tarnishing?

hm it very interesting
but there's luft ring with date 1940

Of course E.!
This Luft ring is known in 2 variants. 1939 and 1940. An other variant i havn`t seen.

Searched for years - found none.
Missed some weeks ago one in a auction in ebay - was to expensive, more than 180 € ---- and got today one from an other source.
Poorly the patch repaired and the "Grau"-mark not so clear visible, but a real nice piece of history.
The father of all westwall-rings from the Inventor himself.
Here some not so good pics.
Enjoy!

and:

I've heard about the origin of the wire Westwall rings; now I'm very pleased to see one with the original label !!!!

Thanks for posting.

Thanks Benten, but this repair of the patch

Very nice. I imagine not many labels survive.

--dj--Joe

hey for one reichmark each I'll take a dozen!

Odal,, the repair is nothing.. That label is clearly the one for the ring, no problem there..
A great pick up!

new one from saturday - enjoy!

Next one for my collection - still nice, but someone has removed the inscription "WESTWALL"

people do strange things,,wonder why they took it off?
Only said West Wall, nothing Nazi or fascist, and even in English.
Well no matter still a nice pattern to have...

After nearly a half of a year a new Westwall. They get harder and harder to find

Very nice odal! I wish I had your luck!

Thanks Mikee - yes, got a little luck in last time

Hi guys,

yesterday received this ring.

Regards,
Sergey

Would kill for this one !!!!

Wow what a ring!

Serge,,, A rare pattern for sure! I have one and have seen many. Great design,,wound badge looking,,oaks on one side, laurels on the other.
Seems the soldiers really like this pattern as the rings are always really worn.. Your example is in good shape!
Please a few more photos. Thanks,,G.

Very nice one in top-condition!
Rare to get in this times.
Congrats!

Thank you guys for the comments.

More shots

Best,
Sergey

more

more

Without any doubts the best condition i have seen on such pattern

Who can say what year this model West Wall rings?
Maybe someone has a photo from a magazine or newspaper WW2 period.

Regards,
Sergey

on my knowledge the first adverts arised 1940.

Well, what I call the 'Original WestWall' ring was the spiral wound rings we all know. They were written about in 1938 but most find proof of issuance in 1939.. The other type'West Wall / Front' rings we have issuance in 1939..

This pattern shown here, super nice design, well made, for retail ring I agree with Odal, by 1940 they were out there. So far no adverts for earlier but you never know , maybe in the future!

NICE RING!

I havn't have kill for one - I just have to trade with odal :-)

Hope you enjoy it!

It is my some a rings. West Front and West Wall.

great picture! Love the skulls (not an expert, just like skull rings!) thanks for sharing!

hello FJR! , very nice...
Could you post some photos of the one to the left of the skull [center] bunker to front,west front.. Looks like a real nice one!!

Some great rings!
The westfront (3. from left) is a new one for me - looks very nice.
Some more pics would be fine.

Hi!

FJR wow nice pics! I'm impressed at the backgrounds!

Much thanks!
Wow!
Very nice looking ring on a very impressive pic.

As told, a pattern i have never seen till now.
What material it is made from?

yeah that's nice! What is on sides? how about an inside shot. A very rare pattern..

Hi guys,

what about this one?

http://www.butschek-antiques.com/Personal-Items/Third-Reich-ring-WESTWALL.html

Looks fine to me.

Joda,,please try and grab a copy of the ring and post. This ring will go from the site,,and so will the photo!

Hi Gaspare,
I cannot upload pictures..

here the pics....uploaded for Joda....
for me a nice period one in very good condition:

New one for me.
Small size, about 18 mm Diameter. Silver

Nice one! Will post pix of one I found later today

My collection

Very interesting cartouche- swas in top left skull on bottom right- not sure I've seen this pattern before-- looks like a ladies ring?

First one of this pattern i have seen.
Looks real interesting. 2-piece-construction.
Is there a story to this ring?
Is this a "925" content mark?

the history of the ring do not know. acquired in a collection.
Yes, the stamp on it "925". hope tell me about the ring

Based on 925 stamp and fact that cartouche is pretty blurry I would say it is cast postwar/modern ring. Sorry.

Hi I think a couple of our members have a ww pattern that contains a diagonal script and a small skull in one of the corners- it might be on our ww thread. I'm assuming you are familiar with the Westwall and its construction defense etc- this was the point of the commemorative service rings- there were female rad members who have rings of their service too- I'm guessing this is one of them. There is sometimes a date and it usually says 1939/1940 obviously corresponding to the service and what was going with it at the time- we in the west know it as the old Siegfried line- and it may have originated from the "original" ww rings which were made by (I imagine somewhat bored) servicemen using bits of wire to make spiral rings from it. I have one and IMHO it's a must have piece for any ww ring collector. The skull is just an omnipresent symbol of loyalty until death, defense until death, etc. it's been around for a very long time but really came into fashion again in the 20s and 30s due to the use by the freikorps soldiers and of course the ss. I think it was considered patriotic trendy and kind of cool (these were usually young men, if u remember). The pyramids on the cartouche are the dragons teeth that are still there reinforced concrete tank barricades. Patton said when he saw it that built up defensive fortifications are testaments to mans stupidity. Always loved that quote. Regards Mike

Yes, my opinion too.
But a interesting one.

New in my collection

That amber stone is a killer!
Congrats!

I've seen a few of these now beginning with the "amethyst"- are these cut glass, I presume? (I mean I can't imagine these were 10 carat pieces of amethyst or ruby or Baltic Amber)- is there one made of clear glass?

I've only seen colored glass, transparent did not come across

Usually pressed coloured glas.
I know only one Westwall pattern the gem is mady from Onyx.
Look here...same in green


http://phpstack-500133-1583587.cloudwaysapps.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=181289&page=10

Went through all this thread and have found a lot of WEST WALL patterns but I have not noticed this one. As far as I know this is also WEST WALL ring (know it after Beaux book). Stright me if I'm wrong. Soon will post wire West Wall absent here too.

And wire WEST WALL ring unexisting here...

Hi,
this ring seems rather rare. It could be certainly a westwall-wire-ring, if it is not a fake. Uncommon but very interesting. Thanks for posting.

The idea was evidently the doubling of the well known ring type with only one twisted plate standing upright.

Gerd

Nice pair of rings gottlieb- first one is very nice and the second is really interesting- I've only the "spiral" variety, but I know a couple other members here have variations on the spiral theme that are rather unique- like this one... Thank u for sharing! (Odal- I know u have some beauties!!!)

2 real nice rings Piotr and the first is a rather hard to get ring.
Part of a row of this rings with different plates.
This plate was sold in period as ring for "Artillerie".
If i remember right Gerd has the version for "Infanterie" (helmet/2 rifles).
There are adverts for.

Great catch.
Congrats.

How bout I add something to an existing thread for once! lol! Ok just saw this on German eBay and G suggested I post this and ask about hallmark... I also thought it was interesting looks almost like a diamond in the middle.., what does it say? (In my imagination I feel like it's an OLC overhoff!!) lol! Ok any thoughts guys??

yes looks interesting.
Can't really tell if a production ring,,or a blank that's been engraved[?]
Yeah, wish we could see it all better especially that hallmark!
Anyone have the same ring??

and this is what I have bought yesterday...

Wow that's beautiful man

Aahh, all the good rings are going to Poland!

The is a very hard to find WW pattern especially in that condition! Congrats! good catch!

Is this two piece construction? Can we see inside?

Should be 2 piece, plate hold by a rivet.
A killer!

When I receive it will post better pictures. Goetz have seen pics of this ring and for sure it is two piece construction. I can not see the rivet on the back picture but I'm sure this one is legit.

Somewhere her a nice pics of this rivet made patterns.
On some rings the rivet on the backsite is covered with solder and plated and so not or nearly not visible.

OK here it is. In my opinion two piece constuction but not riveted. I have seen it on similar skull head rings where some of were riveted and other soldered. Anyway I have no doubts about this ring. Stays with me for a long time :-)

I would have never guessed soldered. Regardless, killer ring Piotr! Congrats!

Piotr.,, Do a search here on the 'Rivet skull ring'[or similar].. And, you'll see many you can not see the rivet!

- you have the ring in hand,,IF your looking closely in/at that cartouche you should be able to see if 2 pieces..

New in my collection

Wow! What is the spade ring second from left in the second row down? Is it early/FAD? And also the skull next to it- haven't seen that in a ww collection- if u have any more pix of those love to see them! Thank u for sharing!

All this WestWall ring, I will expose a photo from a ring with a shovel largely later

Impressive little Westwall ring collection.
Congrats!

The one with the shovel is a well known rarer pattern.

It seems you have some real nice rings there. Some of them i have seen on eBay the last months/year.

But 2 of them i real don`t like.
Sorry!
The one with the skull byz talked from.
I have seen it the last years on this italian Website.
An the one in the 3. row, second from right (swas and skull).

yes the square with the skull and swastika I'd say 4th reich..

And that red box[?] A ring box? ,,what do you keep in it!?

ring box

The one with the shovel

Both real "Killers"

The box....the word is "Hofkunstanstalt"

Still existing.
Here a link:
https://www.j-leser.de/die-goldschmiede/chronik

Westwall FAD spade is outstanding. Look at the rivets on the shovel- killer detail, love it!

Ring boxes are cool.. When I was doing research for my project with the help of the internet [and others] it is/was sometimes possible that if the companies were still in business that they could look in their archives [if survived]. It was all very interesting.
I would try and get as much information as possible. You got to start out slow. Just can't start with 'Hey did you make SS rings for the Nazis?' A question like that would 99% of the time end the interview right there!! I had to ease in to it,,very slowly, tactfully etc. I got some amazing answers!!, Some said they did not make 'Mens rings',,just fobs cufflinks, tie clips. Some said they made nothing with political themes,that the bigger jewelers/manufacturers would only early on make military themed rings out of silver/gold. Most of the time they would cover their asses and many of course had their records destroyed by bombs, the war etc....

Very nice collection shown here.. I'm very opinionated on some of these patterns..
top row -
Top left,for me never in solid silver,,3 from left, only in zinc alloy,the rest of the row,,not in silver..
2nd row - 3rd from left [I know not a popular opinion] but a fantasy for me, and again the rest of the row, none in silver.
3rd row - 4th from left, that square one with Swas and skull in corners,,something I've never seen. Not getting good vibrations from it,,but try and keep a open mind. Any hallmarks in it? Maybe a couple better photos[?]
Again these are my opinions from my research, findings, and experience. None of us were there when these things were made. We don't have any secret files, no insider info ..Sometimes we just go with our gut! So agree or agree to disagree,,but I proud to say this forum does it politely ,tactfully and with respect for our other members.. You guys are the best......

Thank you for appreciating my humble collection
3rd row - 4th from left

mark "935"

2nd row - 3rd from left

not mark

Top left, not silber

not mark

3 from left, in zinc

not mark

I like

detailed

ring and advertising clipping

not mark

My vote would go to #3 and 5...
Amateur opinion.
Mark

Sorry for the delay. I own this ring. One of the attached photos shows the both marks on the inner side of the plate.


Upper side: Mark "900", standing on head or "006" upright.


In the middle: Two letters "T" and "S". Between the two letters something like an upright isosceles triangle without base (gleichschenkliges Dreieck ohne Basis), standing on a small pedestal (looks like a small stylized fir-tree). The entire structure is framed by a square standing upon one of its angles.


The other pic shows the enlarged front of the ring-plate with the engraved "West Wall 1939". The enlargement shows its engravement of low quality, I think.

This pattern I did not expect as early as in 1939.

Any ideas?

Thank you!

Machine engraving....i think i have the same pattern in brass with silver plating without any marks, at least a very close one.

Most fine looking rings.
But i don`t like this brass skull with the square plate and and the silver one with square plate.
I don´t think that this are period german Patterns.

how is it bad?

Black,,
I'm not a fan of 3rd row 4th from left [square] The details are too soft, skull unorthodox.
- 2nd row,3rd from left. I've never liked these since the day they started appearing, just my personal disliking.. This one the sides are all messed up but the front for whatever the reason is fine. They're just not my cup of tea.
- Even top left, [good pattern],something just doesn't look right. Soft on detail considering the condition. The sides especially.

Now that 3rd from left,,the Zinc. A good pattern.I've never had one..I think Evgeiny has one , wonder how it conpares.

Gerd,, your hallmark is deliberate. I can't get to my library but I wouldn't be surprised if that hallmark can be identified.

Finally this guy! Still lots of swas, not mint and I think not common!

For me a nice original of this real nice and meanwhile not easy to get pattern.
So so much ww Patterns with swas around
Congrats!

Thanks odal! And I think u meant "not so much ww patterns w swas around" - and I agree! First I've found! Big ring too size 11 US ...crazy!!

Of course you are right

Got these days a not so often seen pattern made by the Frey Company. This one made from Alpacca.
The also existing silver version is still rarer.
Here some impressions of my now both variants.
Enjoy

Very nice pics man.... as we discussed earlier this week, some patterns now are MORE than rare, especially if you done have one yet!

You talk from this die?
I would suggest you post it here for discussion.
Maybe in a own thread.

Here still some better pics of a hard worn very Close ring to these above shown pattern.
No marks, but i am nearly sure it Comes from the same manufacturer.

No, another die that was on sale on eBay Germany.... dragons teeth pattern.

Maybe a missunderstanding, but of course i talked from this Dragons teeth die

Wow what a great chance to add a second example and update an old thread .. similar to badbobs ring- this would appear as odal said then to be a nickle or silver washed brass. Early, awesome. Love it!! Thanks Brian (and odal with the assist!)

Simple, nice and rather ring.
Meanwhile not so easy to find one.

Some impressions of a gilded mother of the Westwall rings.
In some old adverts you can see they are sold with thin goldplating too.

I have never seen a gilded one, that's pretty interesting. I learn something new here!

New in my collection

Never seen that bracelet but the rings are well known Patterns.
Would like to see better pics of the left ring with bunker.
Thanks!

I have almost the same bracelet.. And yes,,for every panel there is a ring! Mine is round.. It is posted somewhere here on the forum.

Nice pieces!

black120878 ,,,

Here are my 2 bracelets.. One for Danemark and one to Westfront..
Every panel there is also a ring. I've seen every one.. Have most, missing the plane and helmeted soldier w eagle..

Hi all,
I just read through all 52 pages of this thread which has been running for years. What an astonishing array of Westwall Rings and other items. A few of you must have amazing collections.
As my first post to this forum, I thought you would be interested to see some WW rings from my collection. This is a small tribute to Goetz (AKA Odal) who loved WW rings.
Apologies for the picture quality. I admit that I am not the world champion ring photographer!
Cheers.

One of my last Westwall rings.