UBB.threads Forums Uniform & Accessories The Honor Ring Forum Private Purchase Ring

This is a very interesting ring that I picked up at SOS this year. I have never seen a ring that has the runes "split" by a skull before. Quality is outstanding. Note that one of the stones has fallen out of the eye sockets!

Come to see it, there may be both stones present, but one of them has turned colors - I will have to look at it when I'm in the office.

Last photo. Of interest to me is that the ring, which is definitely wax cast (even Jim M would agree, I think), has some stylistic similarities to a TK ring. Of course, not anywhere near the same structure and format, but I would say that whoever the manufacturer was, they had TK rings in mind when crafting it.

If it is such a high quality ring why did one of the stones fall out ?...................."I had too" LOL

I thought I posted something earlier about this ring but I guess I forgot to submit it. The ring looks to me to be a 60s "Biker" example and could very well be cast. If this had been an expensive ring I believe the "eyes" would have been set rather than just glued in. An interesting example none the less. I expect Gaspare will come on here and have more to say about it.
Jim

Cool looking and nice made ring.
But i don�t think period made in germany.

Never saw this pattern before.

Looking at this I'd say this is a postwar produced ring for sure.

But,,someone really did some nice work . Skull, bones, SS runes, Swastika, life and death runes, oak and laurel leafs. Everything you'd want to see on a over the top hardcore nazi ring. Bikers? neo nazi chieftain?, who knows, but that is one of the coolest rings I've seen in a long time..

Mike Wolfe,the cohost of American Pickers,apparentely wears some type of skull ring I haven't been able to specifically ID. here's a picture of him wearing it.
Jim

dont like it ring, look like a fantasy

I like the ring, but as I always say in my ads, rings like this are subjective in nature - it's very hard to make a call, but as usualy, I'm on opposite sides from Jim, so what else is new!

Evgeniy:
I've not maintained Mike Wolfe's ring is anything other than a "fantasy" piece. I just posted it so everyone could see what someone is wearing on a very popular current show.

Craig:
I'm not sure I understand your comment. I believe it's probably a 60s vintage "biker type" skull ring probably investment cast. I also think it's a nice example and I like it. Where are these thoughts in variance with yours?
Jim

Because I think it's from the WWII period, and you do not. I just don't usually see so-called biker rings go into the complexity of the runic symbolism found on the side of this ring. Therein lies the key to unlocking the mystery of this piece.

I would like to see a poll of how many members believe this is pre war or post war.

I don't buy or sell by averages or consensus. I believe it's real, or I wouldn't have purchased it (and I don't buy many private purchase rings). I suggest if you don't like it, simply don't buy it, and I certainly respect anybody's right to have their own opinion. Can I guarantee that it is period? Nobody can do that with ANY non-official ring, and I will state that in my listing.

By the way, I am now in my office, and the stones ARE set, and NOT glued in place as previous posts would suggest. The crud near the stone is silver polish, which is found in other recesses of the ring as well. Also, the left stone is in fact missing, and not just discolored. This doesn't prove anything one way or another, but it does invalidate many of the above stated criticisms.

To my recollection, these forums are for discussion. This ring has been posted here for discussion. I think many people would be interested in a Pole but I am not so interested as to start one.

I do recall in the 60's and 70's, and maybe further, the US Prison system taught prisoners to make jewelry. It not only taught them a craft, they were allowed to give the jewelry to their family members to sell. This is where they got there money in prison.

I suspect a heavy ring like this would bring big dollars from a biker or neo Nazi. People not associated with the SS.

For me. I can not see how any self respecting SS man would split the Runes. I am certainly no expert but without being side by side, all you have is a little lightening bolt.

To be clear, I am certainly no expert on Rings or there construction, I leave that to Gaspere and Jim. So this is just my opinion. I also point out that Craig has a wealth of experience as this has been his full time attendance for years.

In the end, it is like everything. If a person likes it and wants it, they will buy it.

As a ring collector i can only admit, that you can surely say, if either a non official ring is period or not. Construction methods, makers, hallmarks, period advertisements, period pics with a wearer etc., etc.

The shown ring imho is not a period WWII piece.

Absolutely a NON official ring, if period. Second, given the other runic patterns near the lower sides of the ring, do look at the TK ring - the sig runen are separated by a skull. Finally, this ring is not heavy at all - it is very light and delicate.

Craig you'd like to be considered an expert on the HR because you own upwards of 50 over the few years.. Well, I currently own several 100 private purchase rings over the last 30 years,also tools, tooling, manufacture drawings, photos, and period catalogs. There are also a couple international ring collectors on this topic that are also not beginners and they have expressed their opinions based on their collections / experience that the ring is postwar. Why is it so hard for you to accept others findings and research?
Next time your in NYC if you'd like contact me,,lunch,drinks and a lesson [my treat] from one of the oldest and leading jewelers in the country . One look at the inside of that ring and he'll explain in detail why its postwar...

Gaspare...That will NEVER EVER HAPPEN!

Regards
Sepp

Ignoring Sepp's sarcastic quip that this forum should have no place for, Gaspare - I do call you an expert also - you have made a study of private purchase rings. I have done so also, having chosen NOT to buy 99% of the rings people bring to me on authenticity grounds. Your opinion does carry weight with me. It's just that in this case, we can agree to disagree. Having it in-hand, I like the construction, I like the design, I like the wear, and I like my source. That's what makes this hobby great - we can disagree on issues like this and still be professional about it.

2 Crage
This ring FAKE and have the main argument against: this ring not in style of wwII period germand ring.
On my opinion its fake, lush fantasy.
Never saw ring like this or something like this...
You can choose to believe in all that you want, but no facts, so there is no evidence.
And now i see fake-fantasy.

Evgenly...I am NO EXPERT on these rings or any rings for that matter...I have to agree with you 100%
I don't see how anyone could think that it was worn by anyone during the WW2 period. I would not even
call it a fake...because a fake would have to be copied after a real period ring...FANTASY IMO it is!

Sepp

And one moment: this ring NOT in style rings period ww2, ist absoluly faсt
Backers-prisons style )))

Just an FYI. Here is a copy of the silver content marking. Anyway, I guess I'm in the "forum minority" here, but oh well.

Was watching American Pickers the other night and it was the episode about the 1947 Harley Knucklehead. There was a closeup of Mike's ring and it appeared to me to be a 1960s fantasy piece. Just my two cents worth,cool looking ring.

I must correct myself, it was a 1937 Harley Knucklehead. My short term memory seems to be going to Hell in a handbasket.Sorry for the confusion. Randy Haring