Kober Willhelm & Co., Suhl

Kober Willhelm & Co., Suhl

The Wilhelm Kober & Co., Metallwarenfabrik, was founded in 1874 in Suhl, Thuringia-Wald, and remained active until 1945. Originally specializing in mechanical hair clippers, the company expanded in the 1930s to include small electric motors and, during the Nazi era, edged weapons such as early SA and NSKK daggers. In July 1941, it received the wartime production code 'gbh' for K98 bayonets. Although no specific RZM code was assigned, Wilhelm Kober & Co. produced high-quality daggers in the early phase of NSDAP equipment, often as transitional models with the maker's mark on the blade.

The firm manufactured approximately 35,000 SA service daggers (Sturmabteilung), rated with a rarity of 2/5 as relatively common but still appreciated by collectors. These daggers often feature Gau markings such as "He" (Hessen), "Sa" (Sachsen), and "Th" (Thuringia) and bear the motto "Alles für Deutschland." Additionally, Rohm daggers with Gau "He" were produced in about 3,000 pieces. The daggers are characterized by hand-fitted nickel-silver fittings, anodized scabbards, and bright blades with visible cross-graining. Other products include NSKK daggers and K98 bayonets.

The logo of Wilhelm Kober & Co. included the Centaur trademark registered in 1895, a mythical creature symbolizing strength and precision. On the daggers, the maker's name "Wilh. Kober & Co. Suhl" was typically etched on the reverse of the blade, complemented by the SA emblem and the national eagle with swastika on the grip.

Today, the products of Wilhelm Kober & Co. are important testimonies to the Suhl manufacturer history in the edged weapons industry, illustrating the transition from civilian products to military weapons during the Nazi era. The high production volume makes them accessible, yet rare variants like Rohm daggers are particularly sought after in an encyclopedia on German manufacturers. We are interested in purchasing products from this manufacturer.