Original 1940 5th SS Panzer Division "Wiking" Early Type "Viking Head" Ring

This is an incredibly rare, highly collectible WW2 5th SS Panzer Division "Wiking" ring. This is an early type ring, dated for 1940 with the early "Viking Head" front, with shield and iron cross flanking. The inner band reads as "5 SS Pz Div Wiking 1940" with 1940 being a different font, and the SS runes present. This division was formed in December of 1940 under the name of Germania, and was then renamed to Wiking in January of 1941. The different font for year and then division name follows this, as the 1940 was stamped first, and 5th SS Pz Div Wiking added the following month before being presented to the original owner. This ring was tested for silver content via X-ray with specialized equipment. The front and back of the ring average to .820 silver content which is correct, as other silver implemented by Germany, still known as German silver. Other examples of .800 range silver famously include the Iron Cross, with .925 being a British and American standard during the 1940's. This ring doesn't seem to have many even lines or perfect edges, which should be expected from an original. A line is present on the helmet of the Viking, and there looks to be one on the underside of the ring band. The rear of the face is hollow, with a small piece of protruding metal remaining from the original manufacturing process. This ring was certainly meant for a large solider, coming in around size 12.75 US. This ring was purchased from a WW2 US Army serviceman, which is also fitting as this division surrendered to American forces in Austria on the 9th of May, 1945. This 5th SS Panzer Division "Wiking" consisted primarily of volunteers from Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, the Netherlands, and some Flemish men. The 5th fought on the Eastern Front against the Soviet Army, fighting in the famous Operation Barbarossa, Hitler's charge into Russia. Many of the Finns who fought against the Soviets in the Winter War of 1939 serving in the 5th SS were seeking revenge against those who had invaded their country in 1939. This unit fought in Ukraine as German forces were pushed out of Russia, eventually ending up Austria where they surrendered. Overall, this ring is a rare piece of history, and would excellently display on a ring display mandrel.