The SS skull ring was a private gift formulated by Himmler, the leader of the German SS, in April 1934. It is different from the official medals and military medals formulated by the state. It has special value and is a symbol of high evaluation by SS members. The ring is engraved with ancient Nordic characters and skull patterns, and is surrounded by patterns of oak leaves, Germany's national tree. The recipient's name and award date are engraved on the inside. Manufactured exclusively by Otto Gahr Gmbh in Munich, they are all finished by hand. The front of the ring is a skull and cross thigh bone pattern (Totenkopf mit Knochen), which is also a symbol of Germany's traditional elite troops. In German, it means "Die K?mpfe, bis es wird der Knochen" ("Until it turns into bone"). "Fight") - means absolute obedience. The date of award (April 20, 1944) is engraved on the inside.