Death Before Dishonor Socks
Description: The Iron Cross became an integral part of the biker lifestyle in the '60s and '70s and still remains popular in many subcultures today. Bikers have always enjoyed shocking the citizenry and the Iron Cross still does this today due to its unfortunate association with the National Socialist German Workers' Party, but let's not forget that it has always stood for honor and service beginning with Frederick William III, King of Prussia, issuing the Iron Cross as a medal for service during the Napoleonic Wars as early as 1813. In both biker and van culture, these crosses can often be found as embellishments forged in metal on custom rides appearing as everything from side mirrors and valve stem caps to sissy bar decorations and fuel tank caps.
Description: The Order of the Ermine (L’Ordre de l’Hermine) was a chivalric order created in 1464 by King Ferdinand I of Naples. The order's motto was "Malo mori quam foedari" which translates to "I would rather die than be dishonored" or more commonly shortened to simply "death before dishonor."
Description: A traditional tattoo style depiction featuring a human skull pierced by a dagger from the top. A coiled snake wraps around the skull and dagger, with red flowers and green leaves on either side. The text "DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR" arches over the composition in a bold, white font against a black background.
