Description:

SS GERMANIC RUNES OF LIFE NECKLACE
One of the rarest SS relics we've seen, an SS Germanic "Runes of Life" necklace undoubtedlty designed by Heinrich Himmler and intended for presentation to high-ranking women associated with the SS. The 31" sterling silver necklace was handmade by SS honor ring maker Karolina Gahr. The necklace consists of a nine runic symbols associated with life, death and marriage, several of which are found in the "honor rings" given to SS members and on other SS items. The rune symolizing "Life" on the right side of the necklace is hallmarked: "K. Gahr Munchen" withsilver content marked as "825". The runic symbols are contained withing 1 1/4" frames, separated from each other by two round beads ending in a chain composed of small, round links. Interestingly, this necklace was made without a clasp. The Gahr family was of course well known to Hitler and Himmler, having made the original "Deutscheland Erwachte" eagle standard pole tops, and silver hilts and fittings for SS presentation daggers. Since women were not allowed to become full-fledged members of the SS, the closest equivalent would have been the SS-Helferin, or aides - most commonly the female guards of concentration camps. Despite the prohibition of women in the SS, the SS-Helfering were able to achieve ranks equivalent to those of their male counterparts. If not a presentation item, this necklace would have only been given to a woman who had made an enormous contribution to the SS, as we would doubt that Himmler or Gahr would have permitted the public to purchase these "sacred" runes. Originates from the collection of Don Boyle, historian and author of the reference book SS Totenkopf Himmler Honor Ring 1933-1945 which also bears an illustration of this necklace within. Boyle advises us that only three authentic examples of these necklaces have ever surfaced. Some tarnish, otherwise fine condition. The necklace is also pictured in the reference book, "Otto and Karolina Gahr: The Silversmiths of the NSDAP and the SS" by Meyer and Schild, which indicates that the necklace was first made in 1938 (or earlier). They also note that the third rune (Odil) represented the "Germanic farming cultural history" and it was one of the most important of the runes but was largely ignored.

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December 8, 2011 11:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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