|
|
|
|
|
|
Reproductions Sold on Other Sites
|
|||||||||||||||
| Collectors should beware of fantasy and reproduction rings on the market today. Since the popularity of Third Reich articles, especially finger rings, has significantly increased, there has been a rash of activity in the manufacture of reproductions and even “fantasy rings” in the world. Many of these are coming in from Poland and Russia. Be advised that they look good—even wonderful—in their general looks and the enameling is also good when used. So far, we have seen 10 or 15 types, but of the ones we have encountered none are constructed in silver. In many cases, your finger will turn green after wearing one of these for an hour or so. The detail work is superb indicating that in some cases actual dies have been used. Many reproductions such as examples circulating in the U.S. are copies of Germania’s offering, but one can realize quickly the bad detail because of the simple and very poor lost-wax process that is used; most of the detail is lost and the overall dimensions are smaller, as it must be in this extremely primitive process. See our explanation of how authentic period rings were made at. How German Rings are Made. Note the detail, however, in the fantasy rings identified as “Wiking” Division-Nordland with the enameled tops produced in the east. They are absolutely gorgeous with beautiful SS eagles, oak leaves, and great-looking Germanic fraktur writing. They have company markings inside; probably the names of former 1930s Norwegian jewelers are used. The material used is some sort of base metallic substance—they are definitely not silver. Two of the most commonly occasioned reproductions, or fantasies, made in Europe and domestically, as well, are the Viking ring with the leering, grotesque Viking chief with the Nordic war shields flanking his head. Another is the “alleged” antipartisan ring with a Freikorps-style skull surrounded by snakes slithering through oak-leaf boughs. This one has really nice markings inside to include SS runes on a shield configuration and an ‘850’ silver designation. ‘850’ is interesting also, since German rings were never ‘850’ silver and the ring is usually not silver. Another one that turns up often is the German police presentation ring with a long message inside that appears to be hand engraved, but is not. This is an actual copy of a real ring that exists in an American collection unlike the two mentioned above that are pure, unadulterated fantasies. One of the nicest or at least the most spectacular is the SS political leader’s ring. This is a massive piece with an oblong black-enameled top with SS runes supported on the sides or shank with German eagles whose wings form a carriage for the enameled SS top. This ring is also constructed with a nonenameled top with only the runes shown in what looks like silver, but decidedly is not. In some cases, we have seen this fantasy ring struck in actual silver, but please, take heed that the ring never actually existed in the Reich. We show a few of these fakes and fantasies, but there are many more. It’s “buyer beware” today in the relic’s field. So many collectors have been burned for thousands of dollars and the fakers are most happy to fleece them. Please understand also that there are legitimate dealers who offer reproductions labeled as such. This is acceptable—even admirable—merchandising, but be aware always that there are ravening wolves out there with their wanna-be NS relics. Know your dealer, but also know and recognize quality, but also keep in mind that German rings were invariably made in silver of ‘800’ to ‘900’ grade and were stamped out of steel dies! Read "About Our Rings." |
Please refer to item designator in parentheses in all correspondence.
Please E-mail for any additional information you may need.
