Barthelemes Fritz (BAVARIA)

Fritz Barthelemes (BAVARIA): A maker from Muggendorf (Bavaria)

The Fritz Barthelemes (BAVARIA) steel goods factory is known among collectors primarily for its distinctive maker’s etch found on early SA service daggers. While a precisely documented founding year is not available in commonly referenced sources, the company is generally recorded as active in the early 1930s. As a Bavarian maker, Barthelemes is of particular interest because most political dagger production was concentrated in Solingen.

Surviving and documented pieces are chiefly early SA service daggers (Sturmabteilung) bearing the motto “Alles für Deutschland”. Production figures are largely estimates based on known originals and collector data; a frequently cited range is approximately 5,000–7,000 examples. This places Barthelemes at a rarity level of 3/5 (moderately scarce). Early examples typically feature nickel / nickel-silver fittings. Many known pieces also show the group stamp “Fr” (SA Group Franken) on the crossguard.

The Fritz Barthelemes (BAVARIA) trademark appears as a circular emblem etch: “FRITZ BARTHELMES” in the upper arc, “MUGGENDORF” in the lower arc, and “BAVARIA” in a central oval, flanked by stars. The etch is usually executed in dark tones and is considered one of the most recognizable maker’s marks outside Solingen.

Fritz Barthelemes (BAVARIA) – maker profile & context

Fritz Barthelemes (BAVARIA) of Muggendorf (Bavaria) is among the comparatively few non-Solingen makers associated with early political edged weapons, especially SA service daggers. The founding year is not clearly documented in standard references; however, the firm is generally regarded as active during the early 1930s and appears in the collector context through its distinctive blade etching and regional branding. The use of the BAVARIA mark underlines its Bavarian origin and is a key identification feature.

In the SA dagger context, Barthelemes is typically assigned to the early phase of production, prior to later standardization. A dedicated RZM license/code is not commonly documented for this maker, which is why Barthelemes is usually discussed outside the classic RZM-coded lists and timelines.

Production, rarity & typical characteristics

Surviving production records are scarce, so quantity figures are mostly derived from known originals and collector statistics. A frequently cited estimate is approximately 5,000–7,000 SA service daggers. This corresponds to a rarity rating of 3/5 (moderately scarce).

Typical features include early construction with nickel / nickel-silver fittings, a cleanly etched motto “Alles für Deutschland”, and the maker’s etch executed in dark tones. On a notable number of examples, the group stamp “Fr” (SA Group Franken) is also encountered, usually on the crossguard, supporting regional attribution of early pieces.

Logo & maker’s etch

The Barthelemes trademark is a circular emblem etch: FRITZ BARTHELMES at the top, MUGGENDORF at the bottom, and BAVARIA in a central oval, flanked by stars. For collectors, this composition is a strong authentication clue and one of the most striking maker’s marks outside Solingen.

Fritz Barthelemes SA daggers – collector focus

For advanced collectors, Barthelemes SA daggers are appealing because they are associated with a maker outside Solingen and display a very distinctive etch. Highly desirable are examples with a fully preserved maker’s mark, untouched motto, correct early fittings, and a scabbard consistent with early production.

Collector value & significance today

The market value of a Barthelemes SA dagger depends mainly on:

• Overall originality and blade condition
• Clarity and completeness of the maker’s etch
• Correct early fittings (nickel / nickel-silver) and grip assembly
• Untouched motto “Alles für Deutschland”
• Matching original scabbard and authentic patina

With an estimated rarity of 3/5, Barthelemes pieces are considered a stable, desirable collecting area among early SA daggers from southern Germany.

DG.DE – Purchasing Barthelemes edged weapons

DG.DE is interested in purchasing original edged weapons by Fritz Barthelemes (BAVARIA), Muggendorf, especially SA daggers with a complete maker’s etch. Send us photos for a free, non-binding first assessment: Militaria Purchasing  |  WhatsApp: +49 30 6500 1800  |  Contact: dg.de/en/contact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Fritz Barthelemes (BAVARIA)