Bickel August (AB), Steinbach

Bickel August (AB), Steinbach

August Bickel (AB): A Rare Manufacturer from Steinbach-Hallenberg, Thuringia

The August Bickel (AB), Stahlwarenfabrik, was founded in 1884 in Steinbach-Hallenberg, Thuringia. The company specialized in producing high-quality tools for domestic and export markets and expanded during World War I to combat knives marked “AB”. In the 1930s under Fritz and Oskar Bickel, it produced early SA and NSKK service daggers. It did not receive an RZM code in 1935, limiting production to the early phase of NSDAP equipment. The location in Steinbach-Hallenberg makes it one of the manufacturers in Thuringia that produced SA daggers.

The firm produced approximately 24,000 SA service daggers (Sturmabteilung), rated with a rarity of 2/5 as relatively common. These daggers are rated with a rarity of 2/5 as relatively common but still appreciated by collectors, featuring the motto "Alles für Deutschland" and nickel-silver fittings, often with the group mark “Fr” (Franken) or “Mi” (Mitte). Other products include combat knives and tools.

The logo of August Bickel consists of a diamond-shaped emblem with "AB" in the center. The text "AUGUST BICKEL" is on the left, "STEINBACH HALLENBERG" on the right. The logo is in dark gray on a transparent background, symbolizing tradition and quality, typically etched on blades.

Today, the products of August Bickel are coveted collectibles that embody the historical development of the Thuringian edged weapons industry. The company represents the transition to military weapons during the Nazi era, making it an important chapter in the encyclopedia of manufacturers. We are interested in purchasing products from this manufacturer.