A rare Nazi bling-ring once owned by Adolf Hitler is going up for auction in Maryland next week and is expected to fetch at least £70,000.

The ‘Hitler Ring’ is made of silver and was originally plated with gold, though not much is left after 75 years.

On the ring is a huge swastika that is supported by other swastikas and swords. The piece is crowned by a large ruby and mounted in a silver globe which rests on an elaborate foot, also with a swastika.

Whether the dictator ever wore the kitschy item is unknown, but the fact that is was made for him will be enough to drive prices sky high for collectors of Nazi militaria when bidding begins next week.
It is being offered for sale by the Alexander Historical Auctions House in Maryland and comes with documents come with it testifying that it was made for the Fuhrer.

The ring was crafted by the master goldsmith Karl Berthold who was a fanatical Nazi and kicked Jewish craftsmen out of his business in Frankfurt shortly after the regime came to power in 1933 – long before laws forbidding them from working came into place.

The ring was found at Berchtesgaden, Hitler’s mountain retreat in Bavaria, in 1945 by American troops.

One of the soldiers pocketed it as a souvenir before selling it on. It was owned by several collectors over the years, the last of whom died two years ago and whose grandson is now selling it.