Helbig F.&A. GAEFLER, Steinbach

Helbig F.&A. GAEFLER, Steinbach

F. & A. Helbig (Gaefler) is one of the storied blank weapon manufacturers from Steinbach, Kreis Meiningen, near the Blade City of Solingen, Germany. The company’s roots date back to before 1928, when it was known as F. & W. Helbig (for Ferdinand & Wilhelm Helbig). Later, after being taken over by Frieda and Alfred Helbig, it was renamed F. & A. Helbig (Gaefler). The firm was based on Hauptstraße (later Paul-Voigt-Straße) and specialized in producing high-quality knives and daggers. During the Nazi era, F. & A. Helbig was an active producer of blank weapons, until the company was dissolved in 1945 following the Russian occupation of Steinbach.

During the Third Reich, F. & A. Helbig held the RZM code M7/73 and the SS contract code RZM 1163/38 SS, authorizing it to produce uniform items for the NSDAP and SS. The manufacturer crafted a variety of blank weapons, including SA daggers, NSKK daggers, SS daggers, HJ knives, DLV/NSFK daggers, paratrooper gravity knives, and Luftwaffe daggers and swords. Particularly notable are the SA daggers [Late Version], distributed in the Reichsgaus Nm (Nordmark) and Sw (Swabia). The estimated production quantity of SA daggers was around 2000 pieces, earning them a rarity rating of 4 on a scale of 1 to 5. These daggers often bear the engraving “Alles für Deutschland” on the blade, with nickel-plated handles and detailed emblems, with late variants typically lacking Reichsgau markings on the crossguard. The scabbards often retain their original anodized finish, and the quality of the etching of the motto and maker’s logo is characteristic of this manufacturer.

The logo of F. & A. Helbig (Gaefler) was simple, typically featuring the inscription “F. & A. Helbig Gaefler, Steinbach” on the blade, making the products unmistakable. The company was known for its precise craftsmanship, particularly in paratrooper gravity knives made of stainless steel with walnut handle scales. During the war, unfinished SA/NSKK daggers from August Bickel were sent to Helbig for completion, underscoring the firm’s significance in blank weapon manufacturing.

If you own or know of blank weapons from F. & A. Helbig (Gaefler) that are available for sale, we are actively seeking and purchasing such historical pieces. Please contact us for a non-binding offer!