Heller Gebrüder, Marienthal

Heller Gebrüder, Marienthal

chweina, Thuringia, Germany, close to the Blade City of Solingen. The company, officially named Gebrüder Heller Stahlwarenfabrik, was established before 1899, when the “Balloon Seller” trademark was registered. The brand name Gebrüder Heller was formalized in 1903. During World War I, the firm produced S84/98 bayonets, and during the Nazi era, it specialized in high-quality daggers and knives. Gebrüder Heller was renowned for manufacturing Army daggers, Luftwaffe daggers (1st model), SA daggers, and DLV knives. It is believed that the company ceased operations in 1945 after World War II.

During the Nazi era, Gebrüder Heller held the RZM code M7/50, authorizing it to produce uniform items for the NSDAP. The manufacturer crafted, among others, SA daggers, NSKK daggers, DLV Glider Pilot Knives [M1934], and NSFK Flyers Knives [M1937], distributed in the Reichsgau Th (Thuringia). The SA daggers have a rarity rating of 2 on a scale of 1 to 5, making them desirable collector items. These daggers often feature the engraving “Alles für Deutschland” on the blade, with nickel-plated handles and detailed emblems, reflecting precise craftsmanship. Uniquely, Gebrüder Heller was the only known manufacturer to produce SA daggers with a stamped maker’s mark (rather than etched), making them particularly interesting for collectors. The scabbards often retain their original anodized finish, enhancing their historical value.

The logo of Gebrüder Heller, known as the “Balloon Seller,” depicted a balloon vendor and was frequently etched onto the blades, making the products unmistakable. This trademark symbolized the quality and precision of the company’s blank weapons. Gebrüder Heller remains a symbol of Thuringia’s craftsmanship tradition in blank weapon manufacturing.

If you own or know of blank weapons from Gebrüder Heller that are available for sale, we are actively seeking and purchasing such historical pieces. Please contact us for a non-binding offer!