SS-Ehrenring

thumb|SS-Ehrenring The SS-Ehrenring (German for "SS honour ring"), unofficially called Totenkopfring ("Death's Head ring" or "skull ring"), was an award of the Schutzstaffel (SS). The ring was not a state decoration but rather a personal gift bestowed by Heinrich Himmler to SS members of distinction. It became a highly sought-after award, one which could not be bought or sold, and counterfeit replicas were produced. The SS Honour Sword and SS Honour Dagger were similar awards.

== Award == thumb|upright=1.1|SS-Totenkopfring from 1933 The SS-Ehrenring was initially presented to senior officers of the Alter Kämpfer (Old Guard) within the SS, of whom there were fewer than 5,000. This was later expanded to all SS members who graduated from the SS-Junker Schools and other SS training facilities. 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". 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". Some SS and police members had local jewellers make unofficial versions to wear.