: Simple. He didn't take it with him. He took the Ring off and left it behind in the Barad-dur.

I just cannot beleive Sauron taking his Ring off. He could have concealed it easily and he needed it to corrupt the Numenoreans.
He needed it especially when he defied the Valar during the storm. I don't think Sauron would have taken the risk by laying his ring behind him, because it would have allowed someone to take it.
For that point Tolkien isn't coherent. I think he 'cheated ', a bit like for Gandalf case.

haa.. Why isn't he still alive? I dream to ask him questions, many questions...

Mordan