The Australian: Neo-Nazis suspected in theft of SS ring [December 12, 2005]

GERMAN police have offered a reward for an SS Death's Head ring stolen by Nazi memorabilia hunters from an exhibition at Hitler's former retreat in the Bavarian Alps. The ring is inscribed with the signature of Heinrich Himmler and was awarded by the SS chief to one of his officers. Such rings are regarded as a big prize on the multi-million-dollar Nazi souvenir market and fetch about $18,600 on the internet. Investigators say the ring has almost certainly been stolen for its mystical value to neo-Nazi sympathisers, rather than to turn a quick profit. Himmler introduced the ring in April 1934, and it was awarded to founding officers of the SS. By 1939, rules were relaxed to the point where SS service of three years was sufficient. Early rings, all made from silver and portraying carefully carved skulls, are the most valuable, and this one was awarded on December 1, 1934. Himmler presented the rings personally and read out a citation that ended: "The Death's Head ring cannot be bought or sold and must never fall into the hands of those who are not entitled to use it ... Wear the ring with honour.""