Germany, SS. A Gold Presentation Ring to SS-Brigadeführer Fritz Freitag, with Letter, from Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler

(Waffen-SS Goldring mit Brief). A rare and unique Gold presentation ring dedicated to SS-Brigadeführer Fritz Freitag, the exterior presenting with a central rectangular light blue enameled applique with gently rounded corners, engraved with a central stylized Sig rune, the interior stamped a maker’s mark of “MO”, a Gold content number of “585” indicating 14 Karats, and an illegible hallmark, corresponding to a men’s size 11.5, weighing 11.5 grams overall, with a narrow horizontal scratch visible to the enamel, in near extremely fine condition, accompanied by its period original presentation case, constructed of a card stock frame with a faux blue leather exterior liner, the interior with a white rayon lid liner and slotted beige velvet bed, opening with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, measuring 42 mm (w) x 48 mm (l) x 36 mm (h), with some exterior fatigue evident, in overall near extremely fine condition; accompanied by a handwritten letter presented on the official station of the Reichsführer-SS, dated 2 September 1944, dedicating the ring to Freitag in recognition of his meritorious leadership of Waffen-SS forces on the Eastern Front and encouraging him to wear it with pride, closing with a clear signature, measuring 210 mm (w) x 296 mm (h), in extremely fine condition. Footnote: Fritz Freitag was born on 28 April 1894 in Allenstein, East Prussia (now Olsztyn, Poland). During the First World War, he saw combat on both the Eastern and Western Fronts, and later served with the Freikorps in 1919 before joining the Schutzpolizei in 1920. As a member of the SS, he saw duty as an Officer of SS-Polizei-Regiment 3 during the 1939 invasion of Poland, later joining Heinrich Himmler’s personal staff in September 1940. Posted to 1. SS-Infanterie-Brigade during Operation Barbarossa, Freitag oversaw anti-Partisan operations in rearguard areas and assisted the Einsatzgruppen. During the mid- and late-war period, Freitag saw greater combat involvement, holding temporary commands of the 8th SS Cavalry Division Florian Geyer, 2. SS-Infanterie-Brigade, and the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS (1st Galician). He was a recipient of the Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross (30 September 1944). After wandering for days following the collapse of the Third Reich, Freitag committed suicide by gunshot near Graz, Austria, on 10 May 1945.