The SS Totenkopf Ring: An Illustrated History from Munich to Nuremberg [Hardcover]

Craig Gottlieb (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 28, 2008

Using modern tools not available to previous authors on this subject, Craig Gottlieb paints a comprehensive picture of the Totenkopf Ring and the man who was behind it - Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler. Gottlieb draws on a body of over 200 examples to document currently believed notions about the ring. He offers never before seen photos and documents, and even develops many new well-reasoned theories about the Totenkopf (Death Head) ring. The book also covers the pre-history of the Totenkopf ring, placing its appearance onto the "SS Scene" in historical context. Also covered are design background, construction techniques, and an in-depth analysis of the physical characteristics of rings. Gottlieb also includes sections on award documents and frames, ring shipping boxes, and provides many never-before-seen photographs of rings in wear. Finally, he brings rings to life with an extensive "personality profile" chapter in which he illustrates several famous rings.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Pub Ltd (October 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764330942
• ISBN-13: 978-0764330940
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #934,422 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, June 7, 2009

By 

Iva Buch (New Zealand) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The SS Totenkopf Ring: An Illustrated History from Munich to Nuremberg (Hardcover)

A book written for collectors by a collector expertly traces one of the Third Reich's highly prized awards, the Totenkpof Ring.

The author has documented 200 of these rings, which he has observed, and makes the assertion that if 20,000 were actually issued then the survival rate is about 100th of 1 per cent. This truly makes this award one of the rarest for collectors today.

Beautifully illustrated with large colour close up photos, the book examines the ring basics, award documents, presentation boxes, Rings by date and the Structure and significance and regulations.

One of the very interesting sections is the one titled personality profiles which covers such persons as Herman Priess and the ring awarded to him which shows in the wonderful photos the ring he received.

As this is a book for collectors it also covers the Bain of any serious collector - reproductions.

The book is printed on fine glossy paper for excellent photo reproduction and at a little over 170 pages makes for fast reading.

There is no other book out there that compares to this one, on what is a very specialized field of collecting. (Dare I say expensive!)
A well researched and informative piece of writing, and if you are considering buying one take this particular book with you.

I have a reproduction ring, award box and award document, so I was fascinated to learn what the various symbols, dates, and engravings actually signify.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome read!, September 10, 2010

By 

Thomas Kyle Reive (Kingsville, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The SS Totenkopf Ring: An Illustrated History from Munich to Nuremberg (Hardcover)

Great book on the subject. The author really knows his stuff as he has been collecting and studying these rings for years! Thanks again for a great book on the subject!

7 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars thought provoking, April 4, 2009

By 

G. Bryan (san diego, ca) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The SS Totenkopf Ring: An Illustrated History from Munich to Nuremberg (Hardcover)

This book explains the ideology of the Nazi SS, the rituals and occult beliefs, and informs the reader on the significance of the death head rings. The book examines the deep research of the Nazi party and their commitment to global domination. Very well written with superb photographs.