It is with a heavy heart I write this tonight... last Thursday morning- our dear friend and colleague in collecting Steve aka DAK 41 suffered a massive heart attack and passed away shortly thereafter at a nearby hospital. Steve was a good neighbor and friend to me and many others. He was loved very much by his family and grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of knowledge in USA ww2 jeweler and theatre made period rings that has no compare. He wanted to write a book about them that sadly will not come to its fruition. I had spoken to him a day or two before the tragedy befell him and his family- and he was in good spirits with a good new job and a new and positive outlook on the year ahead. I dont think that I have gone a week without talking to him in the past 7 years we became friends over coffee at a local breakfast house. Like many here I will miss Steve. He was truly a good and honest man. Rest In Peace my friend.

Oh man ,,
..so sorry to hear about this.. I think I've seen and maybe even photographed his collection. I'll take a look for them.

A good guy,, a good member here,,he'll be sorely missed..

Mike please pass on my condolences to Steve's family..

R.I.P. DAK41

hi members
sadl to hear of this great lost to our forum steve aka-41 as he was caled by us third reich collectors of american-german ww 2 rings jewelry he was very savy with these items a walking book of knowlge we chated a lot he would show me the best american=german rings he had god bless steve and family my condolences steve may you rest in peace my friend andy militarynut

So sorry to hear. My condolences to his family and friends.

Sad news. I did not know Steve but read a few of his posts. We have lost several collectors in the last few years. Condolences to Steve s family.

r.i.p friend you will be greatly missed. mike

I've met Steve at the MAX a couple times. Here are shots of his wonderful collection....

Steve was a young guy with a family.. PLEASE -

- make some sort of inventory of your collection. Maybe even a tiny price of worth behind each ring. Leave a note with your finale wishes,,,of what you want done with your collection.
Maybe a friend your wife can contact who would help her liquidate the collection.
Or leave a list of a couple auction houses your family could contact IF the pieces are going to not stay with them.. The time is now not later to do this....

again,, Rest easy Steve...........

Gas
Yes, we all need to do that.
I really like that 8th Army ring. I was under it in Korea 68-69.
Ed

Gaz,

Contact his widow.

If she wants them sold here, I give her a free Premium Membership to do it. Or to whoever is doing it for her.

Dave

Wow, he certainly had a great collection.

Steve asked me for my permission to leave my contact info in his boxes and my word that I would help in the case of his passing - in accordance to his and his familys wishes at that time. I gave him my word. I have been in contact with his wife. She is aware of his wishes and I promised her as I promised him I would help in whatever regard was specified. He trusted no one in militaria. I am humbled and honored to do this for him. As they become known to me- I will update with her and Steves wishes for his collection.