Algemeine- Page 21 Allegmeine-SS Unit Flag (Item SS 21-2) PRICE: SOLD
Third Reich SS Engagement Ring (Item SS 21-2a) PRICE: Only a couple left at $750.00 SS Wedding Ring (Item SS 21-3) PRICE: $850.00 These charts are provided so that our customers and researchers can have a better understanding of the runes as used by the SS. The runes on the wedding ring were a sampling of the styles and do not spell out anything in particular. Mgr. Germania
DESCRIPTION: The SS had a special wedding ring and you can see above. This was the official wedding ring of the black Allgemeine SS (Schutzstaffel). The elite SS bodyguard regiment, the Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler, who later became the 1st SS Panzer Division of the Waffen SS had their own distinctive wedding ring similar yet different than the standard type. The Leibstandarte model had the motto of the corps spelled out partially in runic symbols. The motto was ‘Meine Ehre Heisst Treue” or My Honor is Loyalty and these brave men stayed absolutely and resolutely true to these words. The most interesting thing to be seen when viewing this ring is that the letters (E) and (SS) and (T) are done in Teutonic rues; also seen in the sentence is the life rune that looks like a (Y). This is the life rune of the ancients. The Sonnenrad, the sun wheeled Swastika, the Hagel rune and the Ty-rune are seen here. They were crafted in 935 silver for LAH Commander Josef Sep Dietrich. This was an exclusive contract. A few were also made in 800 silver content. There of course will be copies turned out by the usual fakers but ours are the originals and the sharp detail cannot be copied without distorting the finished project modeled by inferior equipment such as rubber lost wax molds. These rings historically were produced in massive dies and then hand finished and you will recognize that perfection immediately! This is the (Ursprünglich stück) “the real thing” and you will surely be very pleased with it. We have a couple of these in size 9 ¼ and a couple in 9 ½ but they are very limited and will be snapped up fast. We have a jeweler here in our town who could size one of these rings but there would be some distortion in the looks and details and I hate to see them changed. It attacks the integrity and the originality of the ring. If you can wear a 9 ¼ to 9 ½ ring you will be most fortunate as this is the ultimate SS ring ranking in importance just below the Totenkopf Honor ring. Of course some collectors have no intention of wearing it. However, if you are planning an SS mating ceremony out under the sacred oak then you are fortunately enriched by having found this listing on the Germania International site. Wunderbar! PRICE: SOLD The Schwarze Korps Grouping PRICE: $2,850.00 Kampfzeit Ring AH Standarte (Item SS 21-5) PRICE: SOLD Reinhard Heydrich Presentation Fencing Sculpture (Item SS 21-6; PERS 2-8) PRICE: $10,000.00 PRICE: SOLD Blood Flag of Nuremberg (Item SS 21-8) PRICE: $150.00 Equestrian Poster (Item SS 21-9; OLY 6-5) PRICE: SOLD Page Twenty-one Please refer to item designator in parentheses in all correspondence.
DESCRIPTION: Here is a fine and 100-percent original SS unit flag used by the SS in various ways. They were flown in front of command units and draped, unfortunately, on coffins, but mostly used in ceremonies. Early on they were used by the Leibstandarte, but also other Allgemeine-SS Standarte. They, of course, came in various sizes depending on the usage. This one that we offer is 59 x 35 inches; an average size and an excellent one for display in a collection. This flag is in very fine condition except that it is soiled, but not stained (simple dirt). We have not washed it, although we feel confident that it could be laundered with no harmful effect. However, for the sake of customer satisfaction, we did do the black-light test on it and, of course, it passed, but if it would be washed in any of the detergents of today, it would glow after such treatment. No harm, just glow! We feel that this should be up to the buyer so we leave them as we get them. Later, when the tragic war broke out, the Waffen-SS used the same style flag for ceremonies and often as unit markings for SS-Panzer division so that friendly aircraft would recognize them. We have seen many pictures of this style flag draped on the back of German tanks. This is a very rare and desirable piece of SS equipment; very seldom encountered in this fine condition. It make an absolutely great background item to set off a fine collection.
DESCRIPTION: As far as can be determined, this is from research accomplished on the engagement ring of the SS. If you read the description for the SS Wedding Ring at Item SS 21-3, you can be aware that this ring comes from the exact same source and was also produced under the product line of the Hemmerle Company. Also in that article we explain something about how we obtained these rings from the elderly (now deceased) gentleman, who was a jeweler extraordinaire. Like the wedding ring, this engagement ring has also been copied from our original, but not in silver as the originals were. The engagement ring does not always have a Gahr marking; it depended on if it would have been handled by Gahr or Hemmerle. We were able to secure both types, but the copies were never marked ‘Gahr’ as I have explained about the wedding rings. The actual maker of these rings for several companies, including Gahr and Hemmerle, was in fact the man who originally sold us the rings. He was probably the best private jeweler in the Reich. You can read more about this great purchase on the opening page of Germania under the heading “About our Rings.” The marking on most of the rings is ‘925’ (the silver designation) and there is an “H” configuration and surely that must be for “Hemmerle.” The Gahr ring is in "835" silver. The Gahr-marked pieces bear the Gahr stamp and the twisted ‘SS’; symbol that was its trademark. As we have stated in the article on the SS Wedding Ring, our German colleague may have some of these in gold, but they would cost much more; not so much because of the higher metal value, but because of its rarity; very few were produced in gold. The design on this ring is the most crisp and detailed of any Third Reich ring. The copies handled by another site do not even approach the fineness of these originals. Each swastika is in such high relief that it could be read in Braille. The Greek design was popular in Hitler’s Reich and could be perceived in official stationery, porcelains, certain flag designs, and in the personal silverware. This is without a doubt the symbolism that was so meaningful to the aspiring engaged couple. The design denotes faithfulness one to the other in an unbroken pattern of endless devotion to each other with the symbol of their belief in the bonding effect of National Socialism (the swastika) as the talisman of faith personified in Führer, Reich, and Fatherland. This ring is the one we are the most proud to offer as a beautiful relic to behold.
DESCRIPTION: This is the official wedding ring of the Allgemeine-SS that Mr. Donald Boyle, in his great book, SS-Totenkopf H. Himmler Honor Ring 1933-1945, shows one which he identifies as made by the Hemmerle company. Actually, several companies made these rings, to include some of the companies that our now-deceased jeweler contact worked with. Recently, the son of this man contacted us once again with several more rings that he has found among his father’s effects. There has been a very good copy made of this ring and sold on another web site and it was copied from the one in my collection and my only demand was that it was to be clearly presented as a reproduction. There are differences of course, but the major one is that the reproduction has the silver designation “800” on the outside and I would not allow the “Gahr” mark to be used. Yes, these rings were produced by Gahr and evidently finished by the man we met at Stuttgart when the large purchase was consummated. Read about our rings on Germania’s homepage. The authentic ring is in “835” silver and has the “Gahr” logo of twisted runes inside. The SS wedding band, it seems, did not have any distinction between wear by male or female (either could wear it); however, the men who earned it usually wore the Totenkopf honor ring foregoing the wearing of any other ring; so much did the Himmler honor ring mean to them. We have been lucky to acquire some of these and we have now found out that the only exception to the ban against gold that existed in the SS was in the case of the wedding ring and engagement ring. Himmler was against the use of gold in SS or other NSDAP jewelry, but the exception was if a couple chose to have gold wedding rings. It seemed to be allowed in the form of a gold wedding ring. We do not have one (only silver), but we have been told by our German friend that he has a few in gold. This ring in silver is very rare to start with, but in gold (extremely rare), as the SS men actually preferred silver, the metal of the Teutonic “gods.”
DESCRIPTION: Here is a fantastic group of items involving the Schwarze Korps, the official organ of the Allgemeine and later the Waffen-
Number 1: An original poster advertising the Schwarze Korps. It is advertised for 15 pfennig and it says Heute Neu (“Today’s News”) and Aus der Neuen Folge. From the new edition, subjects are listed as follows: In the Class War, there is an article about insurance for children. Officials of the Reich, and a Jew as German youth leader. Provocative? Even more so the illustration that shows a determined and tight-lipped Allgemeine-
Number 2: Here is a document on parchment paper from Gunter d’Alquen, the editor and founder of the Schwarze Korps. It is signed by him and also hand signed by Max Amann, the famous Reichsleiter in charge of all NSDAP-connected press. He was born 1891, died 1957. He promoted Hitler’s book Mein Kampf to the point that it outsold every German book ever printed except for the bible. In 1921, he became the Nazi Party’s first business manager. The document says basically: “In acknowledgement of your outstanding achievements in the advancement of the Reich’s propaganda action or drive.” It also says that the recipient is an honorary guest of the Reichsführer-
Number 3: A framed original copy of the June 24, 1943, issue of the Schwarze Korps newspaper with an opening title of “The Keyword in the War of Nerves.” The framed item is 19 ½ x 13 ½ inches.
All the items are in good condition. The poster had been folded at one time in its history as was the 1943 paper, but everything is fine throughout. This is a vastly important grouping, especially item 1 and 2: two important signatures on a very important document to a very prestigious personage (museum pieces).
DESCRIPTION: This ring was called a Traditionstringe and it was one of the first pre-1933-style rings when the SS-Leibstandarte was still called the Adolf Hitler Standarte, the bodyguard regiment for the future chancellor, who was at that time the “Führer” of the fledgling NSDAP (German Workers’ Party). Very few of these rings were ever made and the story is that they were given as Christmas gifts to men of the Standarte by their commanding officers in the 1920’s and early 1930’s. I have stated that rings in the Nazi movement and later in the Wehrmacht were never issued. They were always purchased items, except for the famous Himmler Totenkopf honor ring. The ring we show here is the only other one that we could say is an exception to the rule. Since they came from the Storm Troop leaders to their loyal men, it could be construed as an issue of sorts. Now understand, this is not a 1920’s ring we offer here. Being a traditions ring it was one of the ones made by one of the small companies that wanted to preserve the historical design and offer it as an artistic memento of the Kampzeit (struggle for power). The skull in the style of the very early 1920’s design is great! as are the eagles, but under a glass. The birds’ heads are like gargoyles. This was often the case with early designs. However, I see it as nostalgic “Kitch,” and this is what makes it so interesting. It is a great-looking ring with very fine detail even if a little bit leaning to the barbaric, but remember, the toughness of these early Kampfzeit fighters and this ring falls right into place. The ring is in silver and marked appropriately “800” inside the shank. Really, one of the nicest of the plain, silver rings; long before the enameled ones came onto the scene. This was one of the large group of rings procured in Stuttgart. Although this was not one of the models designed by our elderly jeweler, it was one of the groups that he was given in 1941 for finishing. He particularly liked this ring for its definitive style that evoked memories of his own participation in the struggle for power of the SS and NSDAP.
DESCRIPTION: Here is an extremely rare figure of a fencer, which was presented to Gruppenführer Reinhard Heydrich in 1936 by a close friend and fellow fencing enthusiast SS-Untersturmführer Kretschmann, who was a ranking officer in the SD Hauptampt and very often was a top-place winner in the fencing competitions. Quoting from the book Reinhard Heydrich, The Biography by Ulrich Publishing: “Whatever drove Heydrich in his official capacity as the head of the vast network of police departments it permeated through his love of sport. He possessed a determination beyond comparison within the ranks of the Black Order to succeed in competition. His love of horse riding, athletics, skiing, swimming, sailing, and shooting was only surpassed by his fervent enthusiasm for flying and over all other, fencing!” Fencing appears to have been his most successful pastime in the sporting arena and was by his own admission his passion even in later years. He would always spend time to exercise his skills before starting his strenuous days of demanding duties in the SD office. At the order of Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, the first SS fencing masters tournament was held in the Berlin House of German Sport from November 12 to November 14, 1936. The SD was heavily represented. Heydrich won fifth place in the Rapier Class A and third in the Saber Class A. During the evening of the November 14, in the officers’ mess at the Berlin Lichterfelde Barracks of the SS-Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler, SS-Obergruppenführer Heissmeyer presented the prizes. Heydrich gave a speech emphasizing the importance of fencing in the SS culture. In August 1941, at the Second Wartime German Fencing Championships in Bad Kreutznach, Heydrich was placed fifth out of the top 12 fencers in the entire country and very close to the top for all of Europe. It is noteworthy that Heydrich however pleased with himself, he might be about his many victories he didn’t make much fuss about them. Fellow SS fencers idolized their leading swordsman, which was not surprising since their successful Gruppenführer always offered them encouragement. At the earliest opportunity he would do his utmost to help young up-and-coming fencers and indeed always tried to entice those showing exceptional talent to join the ranks of the SS. Heydrich would stop at nothing to attain the best team for the SS and promoted the idea that good swordsmen would have a good niche in the SS organization. With all of this in mind it seems apropos that SS officers of his command who were fellow fencers would honor the Gruppenführer with gifts and I’m sure he presented such presents in kind. The fencing fraternities in all nations are a very special comradeship and the “SS family” would be no exception (especially the SS!). The fencing figure that we offer here was bought in the Czech Republic from a group of items that had been from Reinhard Heydrich’s office within the walls of the Hradcany Castle, where his office as Reich Protector of Bohemia Moravia was located; more specifically, the Charles Palace within the castle itself. The magnificent sculpture with its wonderful fine detail was no doubt bought by the fencing comrades to give to the chief. The sculpture was at the time a very excellent rendering in bronze, but also an antique of particular note. It was originally produced by Rudolf Küchler of Vienna, Austria, who was know for fabulous human figures, dancers, soldiers, entertainers, and obviously, fencers. Küchler worked in the mid 1800’s and gained much fame for his sculptures in bronze. It was certainly thoughtful for the fraternity of swordsmen to search out such a fine antique knowing that the culture-appreciating Heydrich would be positively enamored of such a priceless gift. Rudulf Küchler was an accomplished artist and he worked for Austrian and German royalty and the best of galleries in the mid-19th century. Some of his works are shown in the set of Abage encyclopedias known as Bronzes Sculptors and Founders, Volume 4, 1800-1930. The marble base measures 1 ½ inches thick and is 15 x 10 ½ inches square. The height with base is 18 inches to top of head. From tip of sword to the hand extended behind is 20 inches. The bronze plinth itself is 11 x 5 inches. The silver presentation plaque is 9 1/2 x 2 inches. The figure alone is 12 inches high. The presentation legend on the silver plaque reads: “Dem Parteigenossen und Gruppenführer Reinhard Heydrich in treuer Kameradschpft von Deinem fechterfreund SS Untersturmführer kretschmann und den Fechtkameraden 29 Juli 1936. Heil Hitler!,” which translates to: “For party member and Major General Reinhard Heydrich in true comradeship from your fencing friend 2nd Lieutenant SS Kretschmann and the fencing comrades. Heil Hitler.” Untersturmführer Kretschmann was one of Heydrich’s best friends and according to records was the SS master fencing champion in 1936. He was an officer on Heydrich’s Sicherheitsdienst (security service) office staff. This is not only a fantastic historically important relic of SS history, but it belonged to Germany’s greatest policeman, who was at one point a high-ranking official of INTERPOL, and it is a genuine important antique from one of the greatest sculptors of the once-united fatherland. This has to rank up there with the greatest and best offerings ever offered by Germania International, LLC.
DESCRIPTION: We at Germania always try to have a Model1936 chained mod dagger on hand, but this is almost an impossible task considering how popular they are. No sooner do we list one and, whew!, it’s gone, and they are almost impossible to replace even for us with all our hundreds of worldwide contacts. Anyway, here is one more and it is also a textbook example of the Type II. Everything matches the examples put forth in Tom Wittman’s fine book, Exploring the Dress Daggers and Swords of the German SS. There are several pictures of daggers that are much like this one. This is one of the chains where the skull might be considered downright toothy! In other words, the teeth stand right out there and it doesn’t take a dental technician to find them, even without the aid of a magnifying glass. Wittman mentions this great detail to teeth and background pebbling as since 1936 models are never company marked in their original form. We do not have a clue as to who made it. This dagger has the black-painted scabbard shell, not the anodized one. This would be considered the mid-period dagger with only one screw retaining the center mount and this, of course, is the Type II chain assembly with nickel-plated links and Wotan knot (clover leaf). The fine ebony grip was hand fitted to the top and cross guards. There are small surface cracks on each side of the grip near the cross guard, but they have been there for a lot of years and don’t look like they will go any further. Hardly any noticeable gap between wood and guard is seen on so many examples of Type II dagger shells. As Tom Wittman says on page 123, “The majority of early initial production Mod 1936 chained daggers were produced with a black-painted scabbard, which was fitted with matching nickel-silver chain assembly and scabbard mounts. The chain assembly used with these daggers has come to be termed Type II. The term has nothing to do with vintage, but rather, the chain assembly it represents. The Type I is not quite as prevalent as the Type II and will be seen also on earlier versions, but usually with the blued anodized scabbard finish.” This example we offer is nice through, but generally has a well-used countenance. The scabbard was probably repainted at one time (possibly in the 1930’s or 1940’s). The ball tip, which is often crushed, is perfect. The blade would be described by the experts, like Mr. Wittman, as gray, meaning used. There is a very, very minute knick about an inch up from the cross guard. The anodizing is gone from the wording, but the motto is clear. As far as condition, I’d have to say generally good and average for a 68- to 69-year-old dagger. It deserves to have a good home and certainly would be a great addition to any decent
This is a good, honest dagger of the Allgemeine-SS. Yes, it is tired, but original. It was worn proudly and survived some 68 years. It has a blade that is very used, but, again, original to it. The price is completely commensurate with its condition, not its historical importance. This will be a nice addition to any collection or rare NS articles, although it is not the find of the year for the advanced collector, who is looking for the finest-condition daggers possible. If you are just looking for a good, honest example of this much-sought-after SS dagger then this honest relic of the turbulent 1930’s will be a welcome addition to a collection of legitimate relics. Here is a chance to add a really neat Model 36 for a very competitive price.
DESCRIPTION: This is an original print in a frame 12 x 15 inches. The photograph from which it was made originally depicted the moment of sacred consecration of the new standards by the Führer’s touching the Blutfahne, Blood Flag, to the fabric of each one. With Hitler and holding the sacred symbol is Jakob Grimmenger, the Träger, or carrier, of this the most revered object of the Third German Reich. This, of course, was the flag carried by the men who participated in the famous 1932 Putsch in Munich. The flag fell by the side of the martyrs that November 9th and blood from their wounds permeated its cloth. From that day on the parades and ceremonies commemorating November 9th always included the Blutfahne. The picture is stirring and emotional and one can imagine the strains of Ich hatt’ einen Kameraden being heard and the thunder of cannon each time a standard is blessed.
DESCRIPTION: Here is an equestrian picture posting for the 1936 Olympic Games. These were made to be posted outside the gates at the Olympic horse stables and on the blank areas. The organizers of various events would post for the day the trials, demonstrations, and schedules for each. These are one-of-a-kind in that we have only one of each. They are mounted on board and the original owner/collector did this to preserve the items. For original 1936 items, the condition is great with some staining here and there, but the picture portion is great! The line is drawn through to prevent to some extent copies being made by unauthorized individuals who often try to steal Germania’s rare subjects for publication in various forms without our permission. These are originals and as such are very historically important, indeed. This is a poster that would give notice of the equestrian events put on by Allegemeine-SS riders at the 1936 Olympics. The artwork is signed by the artist who uses a strange logo with “v. Ikier” as part of it. Herr v. Ikier was better at drawing horses than he was at depicting the skull and eagle of the early SS cap, but this comes with artist’s interpretation and license, I guess. It is no less dramatic, however. It measures 17 x 23 inches with some stains in the posting section.
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