Bender Carl, Solingen

Carl Bender: A rare manufacturer from Solingen-Gräfrath

The Carl Bender steelware factory was founded in 1904 in Solingen and officially registered with the local Chamber of Commerce on 29 December 1905. The company initially produced a wide range of cutlery, scissors, pocket knives, letter openers and office accessories. During the 1930s, the production expanded to include edged weapons, particularly early SA service daggers.

Production during the NS-period & rarity

Total production is estimated at only about 1,000 SA daggers. This extremely low number results in a rarity rating of 4.5/5, placing Carl Bender among the rarest manufacturers of political edged weapons. The daggers bear the motto “Alles für Deutschland” and exhibit typical early features such as nickel-silver fittings, clean blade etching and finely crafted wooden grips.

Logo & maker’s mark

The maker’s mark of Carl Bender is one of the more unusual Solingen trademarks: it shows two stylised, inward-facing urns or coffee pots, with the text “CARL BENDER” above and “SOLINGEN” below. The darkly etched emblem was typically placed on the reverse side of the blade.

Carl Bender – Manufacturer Profile & Historical Significance

The Carl Bender steelware factory was founded in 1904 in Solingen and registered with the Chamber of Commerce on December 29, 1905. The company initially produced a wide range of cutlery, household tools, pocket knives, scissors, letter openers, and desk sets, before becoming a rare manufacturer of early SA daggers in the early 1930s.

Production in the NS Period & Rarity

The production volume of SA daggers is estimated at only 1,000 pieces — an exceptionally small quantity that results in a rarity rating of 4.5/5. These daggers carry the motto “Alles für Deutschland” and feature classic early characteristics such as nickel-silver fittings, a deeply etched motto, and high-quality Solingen craftsmanship.

Carl Bender supplied daggers to several SA groups, including: • Ha = Hansa • Ho = Hochland These group marks appear on the lower crossguard and are important identifiers for collectors.

Maker’s Logo & Blade Etchings

The trademark of Carl Bender consists of the lettering “CARL BENDER SOLINGEN” accompanied by a distinctive symbol above it: two stylized urns or coffee pots facing each other. This unusual etching was typically applied to the reverse of the blade and is one of the most characteristic features of this rare manufacturer.

Reverse Blade Etchings

Collector Value & Importance Today

Due to the extremely low production numbers, daggers by Carl Bender are among the rarest and most desirable early SA dagger variants. Collectors particularly value pieces with clear maker markings, untouched mottos, and original patina.

With a rarity rating of 4.5/5, Bender daggers represent a significant chapter in the documentation of early Solingen dagger production.

Buying Original Bender Daggers

DG.DE is actively purchasing original daggers made by Carl Bender, Solingen — especially early SA variants. You may send photos for a free initial evaluation at any time.