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Silver skull SS ring
Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:18 am
by Cartman
Hello,
can you please help me identify the ring marking? Ring was found in a place where SS troops passed through at the end of WWII. Was found near the SS cap badges. It appears to be marked with a chamois (probably) and SS?? I find it odd that he would be marked SS. I've seen several skull rings from WWII, but none of them were marked SS. It's possible they are the maker's initials. If anyone knows more I would be glad for the information. I apologize for the quality of the photos. The markings are very small and I was not able to get a better picture of them.
Re: Silver skull SS ring
Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:43 am
by oel
Czechoslovakia, domestic silver hallmark 1949-1992. A deer's head facing left was stamped on small silver items, with modifications in 1957 and 1962, was in use until the division of Czechoslovakia at the end of 1992. It is still in use today in the Czech Republic and the Republic of Slovakia. The number 2 to indicate sterling (925). If the keyhole frame shape has a horizontal straight base it is for period 1949-1992. If the keyhole frame shape has circular base it for the Czech Republic 1993-to date.
Peter.
Source; World Hallmarks Volume I Europe 19th to 21st centuries, William B. Whetstone, Danusia V. Niklewicz Lindy L. Matula, page 72, 76, 77
Re: Silver skull SS ring
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2024 9:48 am
by Cartman
oel wrote: ↑Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:43 am
Czechoslovakia, domestic silver hallmark 1949-1992. A deer's head facing left was stamped on small silver items, with modifications in 1957 and 1962, was in use until the division of Czechoslovakia at the end of 1992. It is still in use today in the Czech Republic and the Republic of Slovakia. The number 2 to indicate sterling (925). If the keyhole frame shape has a horizontal straight base it is for period 1949-1992. If the keyhole frame shape has circular base it for the Czech Republic 1993-to date.
Peter.
Source; World Hallmarks Volume I Europe 19th to 21st centuries, William B. Whetstone, Danusia V. Niklewicz Lindy L. Matula, page 72, 76, 77
Thank you for your reply. I did my research and found that it is indeed a chamois hallmark. Introduced in 1941 in the Slovak Republic (1939-1945). In Slovakia, by decree of the Ministry of Transport and Public Works No. 332/1940 Coll. with effect from 1 January 1941, completely new hallmarks were issued. These marks, although never used in the territory of the present-day Czech Republic, are considered to be valid, as they were used in the Slovak part of Czechoslovakia until 1949.
Zdroj: Seznam platných a výběr neplatných puncovních značek na území České republiky, Puncovní úřad, Praha 2017, Strana 20.
Source: List of valid and a selection of invalid hallmarks in the Czech Republic, Assay Office, Prague 2017, Page 20.
Re: Silver skull SS ring
Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2024 10:49 am
by oel
Thanks for the correction. My mistake, this specific chamois/deer hallmark for small sterling silver items, indeed introduced Slovakia in 1941. Used in Czechoslovakia 1949-1992. Czech Republic 1993- to date. Slovakia used1941-1949 and 1993- to date.
Peter.
Source; World Hallmarks Volume I Europe 19th to 21st centuries, William B. Whetstone, Danusia V. Niklewicz Lindy L. Matula, Slovakia page 279, Czechoslovakia 72, Czech Republic page 76, 77 and 78
Re: Silver skull SS ring
Posted: Sun Mar 10, 2024 3:31 pm
by Cartman
oel wrote: ↑Sat Mar 09, 2024 10:49 am
Thanks for the correction. My mistake, this specific chamois/deer hallmark for small sterling silver items, indeed introduced Slovakia in 1941. Used in Czechoslovakia 1949-1992. Czech Republic 1993- to date. Slovakia used1941-1949 and 1993- to date.
Peter.
Source; World Hallmarks Volume I Europe 19th to 21st centuries, William B. Whetstone, Danusia V. Niklewicz Lindy L. Matula, Slovakia page 279, Czechoslovakia 72, Czech Republic page 76, 77 and 78
Thank you for your help. I have to admit, I wasn't sure for a while. I was worried if the ring was a post-war production. The ring was in an interesting place, but you can never tell for sure who ever lost it there :) I'd be interested to know about the SS mark. Maybe one day I'll find out what it is :)