Balke Richard & Söhne, Solingen

Richard Balke & Söhne: A rare manufacturer from Solingen

The Richard Balke & Söhne steel goods factory was founded in 1919 in Solingen. The company initially specialized in hotel cutlery and a range of pocket and camping knives. During the NS period, the firm also produced edged weapons, in particular SA service daggers. Being based in Solingen highlights the city’s central role as Germany’s traditional hub of blade manufacturing. A clear association with an official RZM M7 license is generally not documented for this maker.

Collector observations often cite an estimated production of around 2,000 SA service daggers (Sturmabteilung), typically rated at a rarity level of 4.5/5. These daggers carry the motto “Alles für Deutschland” (“Everything for Germany”) and usually feature early nickel / nickel-silver fittings and solid Solingen workmanship. Beyond daggers, the company continued to manufacture sharpening steels, kitchen knives, and professional cutting tools.

The maker mark of Richard Balke & Söhne appears as an oval or circular emblem: an outer ring reading “RICHARD BALKE & SÖHNE” on the upper arc and “SOLINGEN” on the lower arc, with a stylized arrangement of initials in the center. This dark etch is one of the key identification features for collectors.

Richard Balke & Söhne – Manufacturer Profile & Historical Relevance

The Richard Balke & Söhne steel goods factory was founded in 1919 in Solingen and first became known for hotel cutlery, kitchen knives, and various pocket and camping knives. The company represents the many mid-sized family-run Solingen firms of the interwar period, supplying both domestic customers and export markets with robust everyday and professional cutting tools.

In the early 1930s, like a number of other Solingen makers, the company also produced a limited quantity of political edged weapons, particularly SA service daggers. A clear association with an official RZM M7 license is generally not documented for this maker, so identification is primarily based on the maker’s emblem etch and period-correct construction features.

NS-Period Production & Rarity

Based on known original examples and collector observations, production is often estimated at around 2,000 SA service daggers. This places Richard Balke & Söhne among the rarer Solingen makers, commonly assessed at a rarity level of 4.5/5.

These daggers carry the standard motto “Alles für Deutschland” and show typical traits of early Solingen manufacture: nickel / nickel-silver fittings, clean lines, well-fitted wooden grips, and a crisp, deeply etched motto. Outside the dagger field, the firm continued to produce sharpening steels, kitchen knives, and professional cutting tools.

Logo & Maker’s Etch

The maker mark of Richard Balke & Söhne appears as an oval or circular emblem: an outer ring reading “RICHARD BALKE & SÖHNE” at the top and “SOLINGEN” at the bottom, with a stylized arrangement of initials in the center. This dark etch is a key identification feature for collectors.

Rare Richard Balke & Söhne SA Service Daggers

Due to the limited output, Balke SA daggers are a desirable maker variant among advanced collectors. Particularly valued are examples with a fully preserved maker’s etch, an untouched motto, and consistent original patina on blade, fittings, and scabbard.

Collector Value & Modern Significance

Collector value is driven primarily by:

• Originality and condition of the blade
• Complete, crisp maker’s etch
• Original nickel / nickel-silver fittings
• Untouched motto “Alles für Deutschland”
• Correct original scabbard and overall originality

With a commonly cited rarity assessment of 4.5/5, Balke pieces are considered a sought-after and value-stable maker variant among SA daggers.

DG.DE – Purchasing Balke Edged Weapons

DG.DE is interested in purchasing original edged weapons by Richard Balke & Söhne, Solingen—especially SA daggers with clear maker markings. Details: Militaria Purchase (We Buy). For a quick preliminary evaluation, send photos via WhatsApp: +49 30 6500 1800.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Richard Balke & Söhne