List of Maker Marks

Before 1936 and throughout the period of the Third Reich (1933–1945), manufacturers usually placed their logos on the reverse side of the blade. However, there are exceptions: some pieces show the logo on the front – for example, the NPEA Honor Dagger with Holthoff inscription, where the blade bears the motto “Mehr Sein als Scheinen” (“More to be than to seem”) next to the Eickhorn logo.

From 1936 onwards, many makers began to add an RZM code, officially assigned by the RZM office. In total, only 118 manufacturers received such a code (e.g., RZM M7/66 or, on SS daggers, RZM 1202/38 with the production year). Importantly, the RZM marking was used exclusively on political daggers (SA/NSKK, SS, HJ). Military edged weapons continued to feature the traditional maker’s logo.

Between 1936 and 1938, daggers may carry a combination of logo and RZM code; from 1938 onwards, RZM codes dominated the political dagger types mentioned. Some companies never received an RZM code at all, since they produced only military edged weapons.

It should also be noted that several of the listed names represent distributors or dealers, such as Adolf Braun (for Alcoso Solingen), HACO Berlin, or Karl Burgsmüller in Berlin-Charlottenburg.

This manufacturer list contains more than 260 makers of edged weapons, including alternative company names, year of foundation, and place of origin. If you have further information or corrections, we would greatly appreciate your input to help us keep the list updated.