Totenkopf ring, 101st Airborne Division bring-back

[Eagle's Nest]

Here is a piece I had been in search of for many years: an SS totenkopf ring with veteran provenance. 

 

I am very happy to add this to my collection, although this one has an especially unsettling history. 

 

This particular ring was brought back by a soldier in the 101st Airborne Division, and stayed with his folks for over 75 years. I don't know which PIR he served in just yet. I have his name. He was from Texas and died in 2015.

 

The story he always told his family was that the ring was “found by a stream in the mountains”. This seemed a little odd and vague, but as I researched the ring, it made much more sense. 

 

The ring’s original owner was SS-Obersturmführer Fritz Petrat [NSDAP no. 39131, SS no. 262725]. Petrat served with the Kladno and Benesov Gestapo [in the former Czechoslovakia] as Chief Criminal Assistant.

 

According to eyewitness accounts taken after the war, Petrat played a not insignificant role at Lidice. This is the infamous village that was razed to the ground by the Nazis in June 1942, in retaliation for Heydrich's assassination. 

 

Given his crimes, I suspect Petrat was on the run by May 1945, and fleeing south. His boss, Harald Wiesmann [known as the ‘God of Kladno] was arrested in Austria and hanged. Fearing the same fate, Petrat probably jettisoned the ring, which was later found when the 101st Airborne Division moved to Zell am See and Kaprun, in the Austrian Alps.

 

Anyway, here is the ring.

 

Chris 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[USCapturephotos]

What an interesting and unusual bring back with a sinister history Chris. Will be happy when you can learn more about the US veteran who brought it home. Thanks for sharing!

Paul

[Blacksmith]

Interesting.  Do you have better pics of the inside of the ring?  

 

Particularly where the skull is attached?

 

There are a heap of PIR devotees on here, I suspect you would get some quick research help if you posted the veteran’s name.

 

Thank you.

 

 

[Eagle's Nest]

Thanks, yes I have spoken with a guy who has access to various rosters and reports, but no luck finding him. 

 

Here's his obituary, and another photo. Apologies, compressing the photo makes the detail a little distorted. 

 

https://www.kerbowfuneralhome.com/obituary/3539671