SMGN-1136 SA dagger by J.A. Henckels with assorted paper work from Vet

The family of this US veteran contacted me to sell the SA dagger he brought back along with a few personal items. The items to not mention the dagger, but i felt they should all stay together. The Obituary for Joe Pigott says that he was an intelligence officer who parachuted alone numerous times behind enemy lines. Then it continues on about him destroying ancient bridges which is backed up by a photo of a blown-up train bridge he took and, on the back, he writes “Near Mannhein, Germany. This is one of my Masterpieces in demolition.”. The Obituary also mentions escaping imprisonment by the SS which is further corroborated by his VA support claim (for medical benefits) where he writes “My capture lasted only about 70 hours in Mannheim, Germany, the last of March or First of April 1945. I was able to escape with a Polish man in his escape. It was near the end of the war, and I do not think the Germans were too interested in prisoners.” The support claim also mentions how he got wounded during a recon mission just prior to the Saar River crossing to assault Saarbruchen. He mentions fighting in the Ardennes, Central Europe and the Rhineland. On his separation Qualification Record, it lists his “job” as a construction foreman in the 289th Engineer Combat Battalion.

So, needless to say Joe Saw a lot of action and had a few close calls. Unfortunately, he was not qualified for a purple heart or never pursued it and it became an issue for him trying to get discounted drugs from the VA in his later years. His VA paperwork paints a frustrating picture. Also included is a picture and a postcard of the reconstructed bridge some years later, sent back to Joe from a relative who went to visit the city (possibly on Joe’s recommendation). There is a group photo of him with other soldiers, I think he is on the far left. There are also sweet heart photos, modern copies and personal family photos. There is a CD (disk) that has all the photos on it as well.

The dagger itself is a nice early style that has been completely untouched since the day it was brought back. The fittings are all solid nickel with an OST marked guard. The scabbard in good shape and dent free but much of the original anodized finish/lacquer is gone. There is a slight ding to the ball end. All the screws are in perfect unturned condition. The pommel nut is more than finger tight and has likely never been removed. The fittings all have a light yellowish patina with spots of green Verdigris. The blade has a light edge put on each side and most of the original gross graining has been lost. Likely the combination of dirt and no oil while repeatedly removing the blade form the scabbard caused this. The grip is crack free but does have a little scratch near the eagles right wing.

If you like your daggers uncleaned, salty and with a pile of info from the guy who brought it back, this one is a must have for you!