UBB.threads Forums Uniform & Accessories The Honor Ring Forum 'Disappointed'

Hello all,
I am new here to the forum but have been on the outskirts for some time.Ive been especially interested in the TK manufactoring section which much new information has been brought to light around the die stamping theory.After reading and viewing the many photos of the process and finished die struck rings,I was ready to order one.My ring arrived a few days ago and rather than go on and on about how badly made it is,I will just let the photos speak for themselves.Ive heard of others that had received their rings and were quite pleased.Is this just a bad one out of the many good that have been sold or have others too received this type of quality?

Here is another shot of the die stamped Honor Ring.I am hoping that the seller is going to fix this issue.

Welcome to the forum Kid... Not exactly sure who you got the ring from as there are at least 3 here making them,,but this looks like its from our member in the Baltics..
Thats some seam.. And, looks like only a partial 'Himmler;?.. Hows the rest of the ring?

Hey thanks for the greeting.The rest of the ring has got quite a few more problems.The only thing good is the oaks and runic symbols.Just goes to show you that no matter how the rings are manufactored the true final quality lies in the hands of the one that does the assembly and finishing work.Other problem areas of the ring are the skull is misaligned both with the seam and the outer runes.One edge at the seam takes a dive rather than coming together square.The bones are straight out flat and are floating out from the band and the award date is little bitty compared to the rest of the engraving.The ring came from Latvia by a member that posts here on the forum.I looked at several of their photos posted here on the forum, of their die stamp set up showing steel Honor Ring die and press etc.,etc.I will probably post more shots tomarrow.I think this could have been a good ring had the finisher done it right.The skulls design is off and I dont particularly care for it.It has a very narrow jaw and is shaped too much like an upside down triangle.Im hoping this guy will make things right both for me and anyone else who may purchase or has purchased a ring from him.I know eveybody can have an occasional bad day.I will keep all informed of the outcome.

Got a pic of the front/skull?
Good luck on getting it right.
(Should be an easy fix with a torch and some silver stock save for the inscription which is another issue.)
Are these .925?
I have confidence in the maker, (if it's who I think.)
... he obviously must of just had an Off day welding.

Been a long day but I will post a pic of the front view of the skull tomarrow.

quote:

Originally posted by Gaspare:
... Not exactly sure who you got the ring from as there are at least 3 here making them,,but this looks like its from our member in the Baltics..
Thats some seam.. And, looks like only a partial 'Himmler;?.. Hows the rest of the ring?

I concur with Gaspare thought : that ring appears by Hapur.
Mine is crudely seamed as well, but in spite of that I like it.
The Himmler's signature probably disappeared due to some issues in closing the ring band.

Ric

POS.
Seiler.

I got my ring from Latvia two days ago. Other than a little discoloring around the skull and ring attachment point I am happy with what I got. I am considering ordering another. (is there anyone else who makes personalized TK rings? please pm if you know who does) Thanks

eVIL:

Welcome to the forum... is the last part of your name COUNT or something a little shorter?



Whatever, I like it.

John

quote:

Originally posted by JohnZ:


Welcome to the forum... is the last part of your name COUNT or something a little shorter?

Pretty funny J

the later is the intended meaning.

I bought one from hapur and I am very pleased. Mine exhibits none of the poor construction the one you show has. In fact, it is very well done and quite nice in hand. The skull is a a little too large for the ring, but it is meant to be a nice repro and not an exact copy. I would hope that one was done by a new apprentice or something like that. It really is rough on the seam, mine is perfect there.

Mark

Like I said you in email, just return it and I'll make new one. No problems with that.

Seems that I have to return to previous practice and make pics of every engrawing and completed ring to avoid things like this. Based on pics posted here it does not seem like typical ring made by me, but since I do not make anymore pics of every ring in all stages I can not argue.

Jeez,, now you know a little what Gahr must have been getting!

You really should though take a couple quick shots of every ring you sell. Maybe just a head on shot of skull and one of name,,something like that.. Anyway,,I've heard only good things about your rings,,and your return policy seems to be a good one.. Nice work all around and handled correctly,,happy ending..

My Salute to Hapur.
An entailed endeavor to say the least.
Custom-fit jewelry, engraved, international shipping and a honest business man as well.
Bravo!

quote:

Originally posted by Gaspare:
Jeez,, now you know a little what Gahr must have been getting!

You really should though take a couple quick shots of every ring you sell. Maybe just a head on shot of skull and one of name,,something like that.. Anyway,,I've heard only good things about your rings,,and your return policy seems to be a good one.. Nice work all around and handled correctly,,happy ending..

...this will, (of course), add $'s to the bottom line,,,,.Still a Bargain.

hmmm, maybe I should get myself one of these for wearing, G are these the best repro out there at the moment for details?

Hi Jon.,, It's a nice ring.. Not perfect,,,but none so far have been.
Method of constructin is cool,,band details seem really good.. Best as always, to view photos of it and compare to other copies.. There is photos of it here,,try a search...

I have just returned after surviving a week in the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia so I'm playing catchup. Other than Marks comments about the size/shape of the skull this is the best copy around. I retooled/aged mine a bit and it's now a real fooler until I take it off and show the inside.
Again I don't think you can go wrong for the price and hapur has shown his determination to stand behind his product.
Jim

Hi Jim,thats interesting.I would prefer mine to be non mint in appearance ,how did you undertake that?perhaps pm me if you would rather not put that on here.Thanks.

No I don't mind Jon but I do want to make something very clear up front. I personally would not alter an original piece in any way but since this is a copy I think it's ok.
This ring as provided by hapur has just about the nicest band you will find on a reproduction but the ring falls down IMO,as many do, on getting the right look to the skull. I remodeled the skull on mine a bit with emery paper to get the proportions more to my liking and more in tune with a 40s original. Unfortunately I did not take a before picture of the skull to show the difference.
My suggestion to anyone who wants to try this is to get a picture of a real ring that you really like,use it as a model and go from there. Take your time and go carefully as it's easy to remove metal but another matter entirely to put it back.
Another thing I did to improve the toning and provide a little surface wear was to soak my ring in a chlorene solution multiple times and then polish off the high points with jewelers rouge after each soaking. I use dissolved chlorene particles from pool tablets and this will blacken a ring in no time.
N.B: From what I can see of the skull on the ring posted above with the bad seam it appears that hapur has altered the skulls proportions which should be an improvement.
Jim

Dear Jim,

will be grateful if you could post a front shot of your ring on centring on the skull. thank you.

Here you go. I can take additional pictures if necessary. This photo was taken after I made adjustments to the skull which was previously larger and more bulbous in appearance.
Jim

i think it looks not too bad although the eye sockets could be slightly smaller. does hapur only make the pig nose variant?

Replacement has been sent. Pic of engraving.

quote:

Originally posted by military:
does hapur only make the pig nose variant?

I've made new die for skull, will make some and post some pics.

Oh cool, sort the skull out an it will be a super ring ! I'd like to order one once you show the new skull!

quote:

Originally posted by Jon Fish:....sort the skull out an it will be a super ring ! I'd like to order one once you show the new skull!

Me too !

Ric

quote:

Originally posted by jim m:
Here you go. I can take additional pictures if necessary. This photo was taken after I made adjustments to the skull which was previously larger and more bulbous in appearance.
Jim

Jim a question, is the way you are wearing your ring the way they were worn period? I seem to recall that there was a distinct order given that they had to worn with the skull orientated a certain way , though I never knew which, I wear my copy ring the other way round than yours is shown.

Thanks, Nolan

Nolan:
No I am not wearing the ring in the correct maner or even on the correct hand. The proscribed way to wear this ring is on the left hand third finger skull facing out.
Since I am an American I wear my wedding ring on this finger and I doubt if my wife would be too pleased if I didn't. Wearing it with the skull facing in is just a personal preference of mine.
Jim

Jim, the skull should be facing you so the way you are wearing it is correct.

Forgot to show completed replacement ring.

Soldering seam

Finally new skull.

very nice work...

An improvement hapur but IMO the eyes are still too big and it continues to have that "pig" nose. The bulbous look to the top of the skull appears to be gone Did you receive that high resolution picure I sent you of what,at least I, think of as an ideal skull?
Jim

Erich is right whereby the skull should face you when your hands are placed flat on a table palms down. The ring is worn on the left ring finger.

Harpur,

the eye sockets are too big and the jaws were not so pronounced. perhaps you might want to refer to some photos or from Don's book?

I just wanted to let all here know that I received my replacement Honor Ring from Hapur and it was done very nicely.I am completetly satisfied with the new ring and would not hesitate to order another.Hapur has stood behind his product and I would recommend him to anyone.

I have commisioned my ring today, and have requested that it be worn down or aged. This is because I would encounter problems with my work possibly displaying such a proud skull. So this one will be interesting to see.Of course itwill be engraved with my particulars so no threat to the collecting community.So Hapur feel free to update the forum with pics :]

What is "commisioned" ? Does that mean you bought one or are requesting a sellers fee?

He he he

quote:

Originally posted by torinojo2:
He he he

What's that supposed to mean ?

Dave ,erm thats what its called when you have something made for you that is bespoke to yourself-a commision !! Am I missing something!?

Jon - Lighten up it was a laugh.
Is the ring large enough for those particlars.

what is the cost of these rings and what is the link to the vendor ?

PAUL

Paul, PM him from here. I paid $80 inc postage,not bad really I think.

thanks JON HAVE SENT HIM A MESSAGE

Paul

just sent him a message using his listed email [email protected] and got a permanent return no yahoo account

Please use PM or my email again is [email protected]
Thanks

Jon,

do post us a photo of your ring when its ready.

Thanks,
Mil

Hapur, are those your rings currently up on ebay from the user hapurs? i assume they are and i just bid on one. im very excited about it. will they have the new skull?

Hi, I'll put on what ever you like.

HAPUR , I ordered a ring from you some time ago
but have never heard back after you got the sizing and dedication ? Are you still in business

PAUL

I ordered a ring and received it. It was too small as it was my mistake. I sent it back and it never showed up so i paid him a second time and received a picture of the engraving but still have not received my second ring. i placed my order the same time Jon did??

Hope to have it soon but from my first ring i liked the look and feel of it! Worth the money (I hope)???

quote:

Originally posted by hdmarley:
I ordered a ring and received it. It was too small as it was my mistake. I sent it back and it never showed up so i paid him a second time and received a picture of the engraving but still have not received my second ring. i placed my order the same time Jon did??

Hope to have it soon but from my first ring i liked the look and feel of it! Worth the money (I hope)???

Hi, on pic is your second ring with Paul's ring

Here is Dustin's first ring that finally showed up. Size made as per your new request and changed head. Also on the way to You.

Great news my friend!!! I appreciate the pictures as well! I look foward to receiving them soon! Thank you once again for the service!

Cheers,

hdmarley

Hi Hapur,is my worn ring completed yet? Sahre some pictures here if it is of the outside band
Thanks

Waiting for mine as well. Must be coming via Pony Express!

OUTSTANDING great pic of my ring can hardly wait

thanks HAPUR

PAUL

Jon, i'll be looking forward to you wearing the ring at Kassel.

Mil

Mil, I shall do.Its not arrived yet though an I have not seen it finished yet either.

Got me ring yesterday. Its ok, a little small. For the money I paid, I'm not complaining. If you order one, order it a size larger. Chris and his father's ring is still the one I wear daily.

How about showing a side by side comparison?
Jim

I'd love to, but it says that I do not have permission to post pictures.

quote:

Originally posted by lizardking:
I'd love to, but it says that I do not have permission to post pictures.

If you'll email me the comparison picture(both rings) I'll post it for you. [email protected]
Jim

Getting the ring size to fit just right is understandable unless you can try on a few first. Here are some old ones for ya.

Thanks Jim!
I'll take some tomorrow and get them over to you.

quote:

Originally posted by Mikee:
Getting the ring size to fit just right is understandable unless you can try on a few first. Here are some old ones for ya.

Mikee:
That's one great set of ring sizers. I have the opposite a tapered steel gauge to size existing rings.
Jim

Here's a picture provided by Lizardking of the two repro TK rings side by side. The one on the right is made by Hapur.
Jim

Hey Jim,
Thanks, it�s a German antique set.
Like this one? Here�s a nice antique tapered ring measuring rod or mandrel that I often use. Also from Germany.

Mickee
Yours is a much more interesting example than mine which is made out of a plain steel billet and the only marking other than the graduations is "HR".I also use mine to put bent rings back into a proper rounded condition. However don't try this with a ring that has enamel insets.
Jim

Here is mine made by Hapur and worn down a bit as I requested.

Front on.......
Only had it worn so its not so prominent at work.Pretty pleased overal for $80 its a good buy.

Very nice Jon and well worth 80.00!

he is selling a couple of premade ones on ebay. i just got mine today. very satisfied but the skull is a bit large. overall its very nice work. it did take about 3 weeks to get it, but it is coming from Latvia. well worth the money. i do plan on purchasing one of his custom rings for $80 in the future w/ my name engraved.

I got mine off of E-bay. Skull is on the large size, but the band is very nice. Like I said, for what I paid, I'm not disappointed.

I've posted this before but it doesn't take much to get the skull more properly sized. A little time spent with a fine file and some emery paper will get the job done. I don't have a good "Before" picture but the skull was much larger when I got the ring. However If you scroll up to the side by side photo above you'll get the idea.
Jim

Just got mine this morning and am more than pleased also was an effortless deal with fast shipping thanks much

PAUL

Okay here is the results of an hours effort with a fine grade sand paper then a good silver polish.......

I know what I have done is not to everyones taste as it has lost some of the details but I love that worn look. I got a little concerned how it scratched but was relieved that the Goddards silver polish took out all the fine sand paper marks.
Thanks for a nice ring Hapur. I think $80 for a hand made silver ring and personalised to boot is pretty decent value.

Oh and I actually really enjoyed 'fine tunning' it

If you get a ring that's a little tight, or need it a little bit larger, this ring stretcher works fine. It's a lot better than getting strange looks at your local jeweler.

It's called the Rathburn Ring Stretcher and is about $14. at most jewelry supply shops. I'm sure there are many other devices that do the same thing,but the price is right, and it does the job. Takes all of about 3 minutes. Don't use it with a ring that has stones,enamel, etc but it's perfect for these metal military rings. Since I bought this, I've enlarged 5 of my rings and a couple for friends.

http://www.riogrande.com/Membe...20%7C336=Ring+Sizing

Hey Jon, did you have them spell your name Fisch in the ring?

ya Erich Did you like the customisation :]

quote:

Originally posted by Jon Fish:
ya Erich Did you like the customisation :]

Like you I like the worn look.

Nolan,

I believe the way Jim is wearing the ring was the way ordered by Himmler. The intent was to remind the wearer that he should be ready to die for the Fatherland as opposed to send a message to someone else observing the ring.

quote:

Originally posted by Billy G.:
Nolan,

I believe the way Jim is wearing the ring was the way ordered by Himmler. The intent was to remind the wearer that he should be ready to die for the Fatherland as opposed to send a message to someone else observing the ring.

You are correct Billy that is the correct way to wear the ring.

Hey Jon, nice ring!

I have received the stated 2nd ring as posted about a 2weeks ago and pleased with it. I have not received the stated first ring with new skull yet??

hdmarley

Guys, what's the sellers name on ebay who is offering these 'ready-made' rings? Is the ebay seller hapur?

quote:

Originally posted by military:
Guys, what's the sellers name on ebay who is offering these 'ready-made' rings? Is the ebay seller hapur?

YES

I have an 8.5 Harpur ring that I would part with. Brand new just a little small for me.