The SS-Ehrenring ('SS Honour Ring'), unofficially called Totenkopfring (i.e., "Skull Ring", literally 'Death's Head Ring'), was an award of Heinrich Himmler's Schutzstaffel (SS). It was not a state decoration, but rather a personal gift bestowed by Himmler. It became a highly sought-after award, one which could not be bought or sold. The SS Honour Sword and SS Honour Dagger were similar awards.
The ring was initially presented to senior officers of the Old Guard (of whom there were fewer than 5,000). Each ring had the recipient's name, the award date, and Himmler's signature engraved on the interior. The ring came with a standard letter from Himmler and citation. It was to be worn only on the left hand, on the "ring finger". If an SS member was dismissed or retired from the service, his ring had to be returned.[1]
The name of the recipient and the conferment date was added on the letter. In the letter, according to Himmler, the ring was a "reminder at all times to be willing to risk the life of ourselves for the life of the whole".[2]
Some SS and police members had local jewellers make unofficial versions to wear.[1] In 1938, Himmler ordered the return of all rings of dead SS men and officers to be stored in a chest in Wewelsburg Castle. This was to be a memorial to symbolise the ongoing membership of the deceased in the SS order. In October 1944, Himmler ordered that further manufacture and awards of the ring were to be halted.[1] Himmler then ordered that all the remaining rings, approximately 11,500, be blast-sealed inside a hill near Wewelsburg.[3] By January 1945, 64% of the 14,500 rings made had been returned to Himmler after the deaths of the "holders".[1] In addition, 10% had been lost on the battlefield and 26% were either kept by the holder or their whereabouts were unknown.[1]
The symbolism of the ring reflects Himmler's interest in Germanic mysticism and includes the Totenkopf symbol and Armanen runes.[4] The ring was designed by Karl Maria Wiligut, an Austrian occultist and SS-Brigadeführer with manufacturing provided by the Otto and Karolina Gahr Family Jewelry from Munich. Rings were manufactured following roughly two major types, the one defined in the 1930s and that of the 1940s. The ring models dating back to the 1930s were thinner while the later ones were thickened and the design of the skull changed.[5] Rings were made of 90% silver cast in two halves with the recipient's name inside, the date of presentation, and a facsimile of Himmler's signature, plus the abbreviations S Lb. for "Seinem Lieben" or "His Beloved."[5]
The ring is wreathed with oak leaves.