SS insignia ring taken from a concentration camp guard by inmates to give to a US soldier
Extent and Medium
overall: Height: 0.875 inches (2.223 cm) | Width: 0.875 inches (2.223 cm) | Depth: 0.500 inches (1.27 cm)
Creator(s)
- Robert Hess (Subject)
Biographical History
Robert Hess served in the United State Army during World War II. He was a member of the 92nd Signal Battalion, which arrived at Normandy on July 13, 1944, joined Patton's 3rd Army and fought across Northern France to Germany and Central Europe. He was at Dachau concentration camp near the time of its liberation on April 25, 1945.
Archival History
The signet ring was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2007 by Robert Hess.
Acquisition
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of Robert Hess
Scope and Content
Figner ring with the SS dual lightning bolt insignia given to Robert Hess by inmates at the recently liberated Dachau concentration camp. A group of former prisoners took the ring by cutting off the finger of an SS soldier in order to present it as a gift to Hess. Hess was a soldier with the United States 92nd Signal Battalion and was at Dachau around the time of its liberation.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Conditions Governing Reproduction
No restrictions on use
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Circular, silver colored metal ring with a flat, rectangular medallion on top with an embossed design of dual lightning bolts on a black background with white flecks of paint. There are stylized lines engraved up the sides to the top.
Corporate Bodies
- United States. Army. Signal Corps
Subjects
- Soldiers--United States.
- World War, 1939-1945--Concentration camps--Liberation--Germany--Dachau.
- Concentration camp inmates--Germany--Dachau.
Genre
- Jewelry
- Object