A Second Pattern (1934-1945) Waffen-SS Visor Skull by Zimmermann

This is a very fine second pattern (1934-1945) Waffen-SS (Schutzstaffel) visor skull; crisp details from die-stamp production in cupal; with the majority of the silvering on the obverse worn off, but the reverse mostly intact; missing one of the two prongs; maker marked “RZM 499/41” (Fritz Zimmermann, Stuttgart) on reverse; measuring 30 mm x 29 mm; better than very fine condition.

Footnote: Julius Schreck, member of the NSDAP and leader of the Staabswache (Adolf Hitler’s bodyguard unit) resurrected the Totenkopf from when it was used in the interwar period by the Freikorps. The Staabswache eventually grew into the SS (Schutzstaffel), who continued the use of the Totenkopf until the end of the Second War. Heinrich Himmler, chief of the SS said that “the skull is a reminder that you shall always be willing to put yourself at the stake for the life of the whole community”.