The existence of the Third Reich in Germany is one of the most controversial and dark periods in its history. Extreme militarization, total control over all spheres of society and the functioning of the economy are just one of the many prevailing features and characteristics of the then society. Building the line of Nazi totalitarianism affected all facets of the country's life and left its tangible imprint on literally every subject. A similar fate did not bypass such a necessary attribute as knives.

With the coming to power of A. Hitler in 1933, the formation of a huge number of various organizations began in Germany, the main purpose of which was to introduce and maintain the basic principles of nationalism in society. For them, the development of knife samples began, which were supposed to increase their military potential and prestige.

Knives of the Third Reich

We are talking about knives precisely as an object of edged weapons, because other aspects of society were of little interest to the Nazi leadership. But at the same time, it was also a necessary attribute. dress uniform, as a symbol of the unity of spirit and the solidarity of the nation. The constituent components of the uniform were clearly spelled out, they were required to be followed by everyone who did not want to face the inevitable punishment.

Troops third reich divided into 3 main components:

• land army;
• air force;
• fleet.

The country's leadership was equally engaged in the improvement and modernization of all types of its troops. Taking into account the plight of Germany after the defeat in the First World War, the decline of the economy, changes were an objective necessity of the then realities.

In order to start arming our troops, numerous party and non-party organizations, it was first necessary to establish own production. The eyes of A. Hitler turned, of course, to the "city of swords", as Solingem was sometimes called. This manufacturing city had a solid history of knife making, but it was in decline due to the historical and economic situation. Already in 1933, the Fuhrer made his first order to the craftsmen, which involved the production of sabers and daggers to decorate the dress uniform.

The resulting models were given to members of the SA and SS assault squads for arming.

The 1933 SA officer's dagger was a slightly modified formula famous model Holban hunting dagger, which was developed in the 16th century. Its length was 37 cm. The handle was made of wood and painted over. Brown color, which was the symbol for the SA unit. This knife was symbolically overloaded. So, in the center of the handle there was a Nazi emblem depicting an eagle holding a swastika in his hands. Top part The handle was provided with the name of the unit, and in the center of the blade there was an inscription, the motto - "Germany above all".

The first dagger of SS members was issued in the same 1933. In its main features, he repeated the previous model, with the only exception that now the color of the hilt and scabbard was painted black. After all, he was calling card organizations. The motto on the blade of the knife has also changed, now it was: "My honor is called loyalty."

An interesting model belonging to the category " knives of the third reich, is a cleaver of the German Labor Front of the 1937 model. It was a massive tool, the purpose of which was suitable for field work. The inscription on the blade unambiguously indicated the predominant importance of physical labor: "Labor ennobles." Its length reached 40 cm. The handle was fastened with two screws; deer antler was chosen as the material.

Undoubtedly, the dagger of a Luftwaffe officer of the 1935 model is worth attention. It was a straight 2-blade hexagonal blade made of steel. The weight of the product was 567 g. The swastika is depicted on the guard, and the hilt is twisted and made of wood.

The army dagger was also popular, which was a product with a total length of 40 cm. Its blade had a smooth surface, as a rule, without any engraving. However, at the request of the customer, it was possible to apply a certain motto or drawing. The length of the blade ranged from 25.5 to 26.5 cm. At first, the handle was made of cupronickel. However, with the course of the war and incessant orders, it had to be abandoned and switched to more economical materials, such as wood and even plastic, or to combine both of these materials.

Bayonet knives of the Third Reich

Among the varieties of knives produced and used by the Third Reich, the bayonet knife stands out. Without this sample, it is difficult to imagine the army equipment of the early 20th century. Second world war he was also in service, but his real practical use increasingly reduced to zero.

Before the invention of the rifle, the bayonet was a real and very dangerous combat melee weapon. Typologically, it resembled a small dagger, which had the ability to attach to a long-barreled firearms. He became a deadly weapon in close combat, and should not interfere with the work of the firearms.

Many researchers and contemporaries point to the psychological role of the bayonet. Allegedly he is in conditions modern technology and weapons are needed not so much for practical purposes, so much for intimidating the enemy. But, you should not argue with such a statement for those who have never sniffed gunpowder.

There were two types of bayonets:

• front doors;
• official.

ceremonial bayonet knives of the third reich it was necessary to wear at the output form of clothing in their free time from service. Their hilts carried no value or interest. Their tip was sometimes made in the shape of an eagle's head, while the handle itself could be made of plastic, metal, and often had a gray color.

The front bayonet blade received more attention. The handle and blade had a nickel or chrome plating. According to some unspoken rule, manufacturers decorated the blade with situational scenes from the life of various types of troops. For this, the etching technique was used. Mottos were also present, the most frequently mentioned of which was: "In memory of the service."

There was no single official model at that time. It was carried out under an individual order, depending on the preferences of the customer and the type of his activity. Therefore, its sizes and shapes can be very diverse. Even on combat pattern it was possible to arrange exquisite etching for yourself, this was not forbidden by anyone. The decorated blade did not have a protective layer, polishing, since it was assigned an active role in the battle.

have read 2048 time(s)

17
May
2009

Melee weapons of the Third Reich

A.N. Yadlovsky
Release year: 2007
Genre: Catalog-determinant
Publisher: Harvest
Number of pages: 130
ISBN: 978-985-13-9678-4, 985-13-7285-4, 985-13-9678-8
Format: DjVu

Description: The unique catalog contains enough full information about daggers, daggers and bayonet-knives of the Third Reich (1933-1945).
A detailed descriptive series and an image of each item are supplemented here with information about the hallmarks, inscriptions on the blades, as well as historical references.

16
May
2009

Infantry weapons of the Third Reich. Part 6 - Wehrmacht rocket weapons

Author: S. B. Monetchikov
Release year: 2003
Genre: Reference

Number of pages: 57

Format: PDF
Description: Dynamo Rocket Launchers Rocket Rocket Launchers Exotic "Wonder Weapon" Portable anti-aircraft missile systems Infantry disposable flamethrowers

16
May
2009

Infantry weapons of the Third Reich. Part 7. Machine guns

Author: S. B. Monetchikov
Release year: 2005
Genre: Reference
Publisher: Tekhnika molodi
Number of pages: 69
Series: Infantry weapons of the Third Reich (special issue of the journal "Arms")
Format: PDF
Description: The history of the development of machine gun armament in Germany in the first half of the 20th century. Descriptions of the infantry and aircraft machine guns in service and prototypes of the First World War, the interwar period and the Second World War are given.

16
May
2009

Infantry weapons of the Third Reich. Part 2 - Pistols

Author: S. B. Monetchikov
Release year: 2000
Publisher: Tekhnika molodi
Genre: Reference
Number of pages: 51
Series: Infantry weapons of the Third Reich (special issue of the journal "Arms")
Format: PDF
Description: System overview small arms and ammunition for it, used in the armed forces of the Third Reich. The book presents not only specifications described samples, but also the history of the development of these weapons in the context of the history of the Second World War. Along with standard samples, the publication includes a description of prototype German small arms weapons, as well as the main models ...

15
May
2009

Infantry weapons of the Third Reich. Part 1 - Pistols

Author: S. B. Monetchikov
Release year: 2000
Publisher: Tekhnika molodi
Genre: Reference
Number of pages: 66
Series: Infantry weapons of the Third Reich (special issue of the journal "Arms")
Format: PDF
Description: A book about pistols of the Third Reich. Them detailed description, history creation, characteristics. Information about experimental, small-scale samples. Lots of photos, diagrams.
Add. information: Sergei Borisovich Monetchikov - Chief Curator of the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945, one of the leading specialists in firearms.

16
May
2009

Infantry weapons of the Third Reich. Part 4. Submachine guns

16
May
2009

Infantry weapons of the Third Reich. Part 3 - Submachine guns

16
May
2009

Infantry weapons of the Third Reich. Part 5 Wehrmacht anti-tank guns

09
mar
2008

Military mysteries of the Third Reich

Genre: Mysteries of the Third Reich
Author: Nepomniachtchi N.N.
Publisher: Veche
Country Russia
Release year: 2002
Number of pages: 464 ISBN: 1123-8
Description: The book tells about various aspects and episodes of World War II: the role of the occult in the life of the Third Reich and the Nazi expeditions to Tibet; about the ominous order No. 270 and penal battalions; that the USSR had its own version of the Barbarossa plan; about the secrets of Peenemünde and the secrets of the Dresden treasures; about the death of the "Red Chapel", the fate of General Paulus and Captain Marinesko ... Moreover, what is especially valuable, the book presents views "from both ...

02
mar
2017

Melee weapons (G. Lemigova, T. Evseeva, A. Rusakova)

ISBN: 978-5-98986-577-2
Series: The most beautiful and famous
Format: PDF, Scanned pages + OCR layer
Author: G. Lemigova, T. Evseeva, A. Rusakova
Release year: 2012
Genre: encyclopedia
Publisher: World of Encyclopedias Avanta+
Russian language
Number of pages: 132
Description: Knightly chronicles, adventurous novels and even modern film epics seem inexpressive and boring if swords do not ring, blades do not sparkle, arrows do not whistle in them. From time immemorial, edged weapons have been the personification of military prowess and masculinity, a symbol of power and prosperity, an honorary award, that ...

31
May
2012

Dr. Jones against the Third Reich (Alexander Tyurin, Alexander Shchegolev)

ISBN: 978-5-699-27388-1
Format: FB2, OCR without errors
Author: Alexander Tyurin, Alexander Shchegolev
Release year: 2008
Publisher: Algorithm
Genre: alternative history, Adventure, Fantasy
Russian language
Number of pages: 576
Description: His name has become a legend. He is the greatest archaeologist of all times and peoples. He - personal enemy Himmler and Hitler. He reveals the most secret plans of the Nazis, suppresses their most sinister plans... Europe is on the verge of the Second World War. German expeditions roam all continents in search of ancient shrines, secret knowledge and magical artifacts. sane people...

20
Jan
2011

Solved mysteries of the Third Reich 1933-1941 (Lev Bezymensky)

Released: 1975
Author: Lev Bezymensky
Format: mp3, 56 kbps
Genre: History, documentary
Publisher: You can't buy anywhere
Artist: Andrey Bukovsky
Duration: 14:52:00
Description:
Author's note: This book has the dates "1933-1941" on the title page. However, the reader may have noticed that the last chapter dealt with later years. But this is not a chronological shift, but rather a chronological "bridge" leading to the years of the Great Patriotic War. They are so significant for Europe and all mankind that they cannot be separated from the prehistory of the Second World War. Operation "Grun" (for...

18
oct
2018

Otto Skorzeny. Chief Scout of the Third Reich (Alexander Sever)

ISBN: 978-5-906861-44-3, Grand Masters of the Secret War
Format: FB2, eBook (originally computer)
Author: Alexander Sever
Release year: 2016
Genre: Biographies and memoirs; military history
Publisher: Algorithm
Russian language
Number of pages: 336
Description: The enemy cannot be underestimated: there were intelligence aces, professionals in the field of sabotage and intelligence work in the Third Reich. Otto Skorzeny was called "the Führer's personal saboteur", which generally corresponded to reality, since "Reich saboteur No. 1" often received assignments from Hitler himself. It was his Fuhrer who personally selected for release and ...

29
sep
2010

Demons with a swastika. Black magicians of the Third Reich (Hans-Ulrich von Krantz)

Release year: 2009
Genre: historical literature, esoteric, military
Publisher: Do-it-yourself audiobook
Format: MP3, 160 kbps
Artist: ratty
Duration: 02:30:00
Description: In the new book, Hans-Ulrich von Krantz continues to acquaint readers with the results of his research into the mysterious sides of the history of the Third Reich. What did the Nazis believe in? How to explain that unlimited power over the minds and moods of the Germans, which Hitler and his henchmen possessed? What dark forces, originating in the depths of the past, supported the fascist leaders? The author again draws our attention to the mysterious...

17
Jan
2011

Demons with a swastika. Black magicians of the Third Reich (Hans - Ulrich von Krantz)

Release year: 2010
Author: Hans - Ulrich von Kranz
Format: mp3, 128 kbps
Genre: History
Publisher: You can't buy anywhere
Artist: ratty
Duration: 02:30:00
Description: The Third Reich was the most terrible, cruel and inhuman dictatorship in the history of mankind. That is why one cannot falsify his history, one cannot underestimate the successes that the Hitlerite clique managed to achieve. And even more so, it is impossible to hush up the forces and capabilities that stood behind the Nazis, even if they were not disclosed and used to the fullest. After all, it could be and, most likely, really were endlessly mo...

16
Apr
2017

Melee weapons and household knives (Ustinov A.I., Portnov M.E., Natsvaladze Yu.A.)

ISBN: 5-85139-007-7
Format: DjVu, Scanned pages
Author: Ustinov A.I., Portnov M.E., Natsvaladze Yu.A.
Release year: 1994
Genre: cold weapon
Publisher: Arsenal-press
Russian language
Number of pages: 173
Description: The book tells about the emergence, formation and further development cold weapons. Special attention given to its classification by purpose, combat and household properties. The main content is presented in the form of a unique card file (description and graphic drawing) of individual samples of combat, hunting, sports and tourism, combined weapons with a short blade...

The German command of the Third Reich specially encouraged officers and soldiers, cultivating military spirit and honor. So, wearing a dagger or dagger was considered mandatory, and its use to protect honor was a real military prowess. The development of ordinary and ceremonial weapons was carried out by the masters of Solingen, and this was one of the types of propaganda of the Third Reich during the Second World War, aimed at supporting ideology, as well as motivation. Each type of troops had its own unique weapon. Talented gunsmiths have produced many items that this moment have great historical and collection value.

Types of German edged weapons of the Third Reich

Daggers of the Third Reich were awarded to officers as a reward for military merit, as well as on any significant date. Now it's valuable antique weapons, as well as a part of military history, which is why German daggers of the Second World War are especially valued by collectors. Many items that can be bought today are in excellent condition, they are decorated not only with the traditional slogans of Nazi Germany, but also with commemorative inscriptions, insignia, and the brand of the manufacturer. The value of such daggers is quite high, since daggers acted not only as part of the uniform, but were also considered a sign of the privilege of their owner.

Interestingly, some historians even partially explain the success of Hitler's ideology by the external attractiveness and recognizable style of edged weapons, which depicted the symbols and attributes of Germany of those times.

Among all such daggers and daggers, the following can be distinguished, the most common and well-known among collectors:

• Wehrmacht officer's dagger, produced in 1935-1943;
• air force officer's dagger (Luftwaffe), produced from 1937 to 1944;
• aviation union dagger, produced in 1934-1937;
• 1935 model railroad police dagger;
• dagger of officers of the Hitler Youth, produced from 1937 to 1942;
• naval officer's dagger of the 1938 model;
• air defense dagger, which was worn only by the command staff of the air defense service from 1938 to 1945;
• TENO officers' dagger, produced in 1938-1942.

At least ten different structures of the Third Reich can be noted, each of which had its own distinctive German dagger.

History and rare collectible antiques from WWII

Hand weapons with sharp blades in all countries and in different historical eras symbolized courage and fighting spirit, since they involve only close combat with the enemy. That is why German WWII daggers are in great demand.

Their design deserves special attention, which was thought out by the masters to the smallest detail. Hitler systematically created a hierarchy in the German army and sought to instill in the officers a new ideology and traditions. To be the owner of a dagger or dagger was very honorable. Therefore, the moral satisfaction from the possession of cold weapons of the Third Reich for each officer was no less important than the power that this or that structure was endowed with.

The weapons were made of high-quality steel and alloys, the handles were made of natural or even ivory, the master manually applied engravings with mottos and symbols on the blades, decorated with wood, enamel or cupronickel.

Today, any collector can become the owner of such a dagger, both those who collect any antique weapons and those who specialize in weapons of that particular historical milestone. Our antique shop offers to buy daggers of the Third Reich in excellent condition at an affordable cost.

Edged weapons played a very important role in Nazi Germany. All external paraphernalia only emphasized the unity of the nation in the face of the tasks to be solved. The German leader drew a thin line that connected the Germanic tribes from the time of the fall of Rome, Crusades the Middle Ages and the modern era through symbols close to the heart of every German. A powerful coverage of all segments of the population was carried out, starting from the youngest school age(Hitler Youth) and ending with the Nazi Party itself. There is no doubt that a beautiful dagger, bayonet or sword formed an important part of the German national concept (Einheit).

All types of troops, party and non-party organizations had to strictly adhere to the regulations on the appearance of the uniform, the procedure for wearing it in Everyday life and while participating in hostilities. However, people are people. And each individual soldier, officer or general, wanted to be not only a cog in the huge colossus of the Third Reich, but at least in a small way to show his individuality and stand out from the homogeneous mass. This desire resulted in a tendency to at least somehow diversify the appearance of personal edged weapons. And since the scabbard and handle were usually in sight, there was a wide scope for the individual design of blades and blades.

Therefore, it is not surprising that cold steel companies offered customers entire catalogs with various design options for personal weapons. The most common was the inscription "In memory of the service" ("Zur Erinnerung an meine Dieustzeit"). However, when designing a dagger, they were not content with only inscriptions and mottos.

Manufacturers took on the task of making a completely unique product (to the delight of collectors and true connoisseurs of weapons) Very often, blades and blades of daggers were engraved with images of battle scenes characteristic of different kinds troops For example, on the army bayonet-knife of an infantryman, a scene of infantry going on the attack was depicted; stowed position, the engineer has figurines of people erecting a pontoon bridge.

Brands of manufacturers of edged weapons

Manufacturer's logo on the SS blade

Almost every blade was branded by the manufacturer. They allow you to learn the history of the bayonet or dagger. Some firms put not only one common mark on the product, but additionally put marks on the component parts.

The largest number of manufacturers was located in Solingen. The brand was usually applied by stamping or etching under the hilt on the flat part of the blade. The stigma consists of the name of the company and its logo.

Individual manufacturers used several varieties of their stigma. For example, the firm of Karl Eichhorn during the existence of the Third Reich designated its products with four different types stigma. A huge number of different hallmarks have been preserved to this day and continue to amaze both collectors and researchers and lovers of edged weapons of that era. manufacturer. After all, only 44 official firms produced the entire line of SA dagger models. Therefore, you can be sure that over time a couple or two more bladed weapon manufacturers will be found. from 1933 to 1945 and the number of weapons issued by her. Nevertheless, the absence of a glue does not mean that it is a fake. (Many firms could not put a stamp on their products. It all depended on the time of release of the weapon and its manufacturer. Some forges removed their stamps from daggers made during the war.) And, conversely, the presence of a brand on a dagger does not give one hundred percent confidence in the authenticity of the blade

RZM sign

RZM mark on SS blade

All daggers and knives produced specifically for the needs of party organizations such as SA, SS, NSKK and the Hitler Youth underwent mandatory quality control, which was certified by the RZM (Reichszengmeistrei) mark. The Reichszengmeistrei was formed in 1934 to exercise strict control over the production, pricing and quality of products produced for the needs of the party. Any firm engaged in the manufacture of uniforms, badges or insignia, and other similar products, was required to obtain official permission from the RZM and the corresponding control number. As an example, we give the decoding of one of these numbers:

RZM М7/66/42 RZM: (Nazi control service (Reichszengmeistrei));

M metal product;

7 : type of manufacturer's product (in our case, edged weapons);

66 : manufacturer's code (in this case, Carl Eickhorn);

42 : year of issue.

Unfortunately, at the moment, the complete list of manufacturers and suppliers of edged weapons (Industrie und Handeishammer zu Zolingen) has been lost. This happened as a result of the massive bombing of the industrial areas of Solingen by the Allied aviation.
Therefore, modern collectors find individual copies containing a control number that cannot be identified precisely because of lost records and other adjustments made by the passage of time.

RZM paper label

Features of applying stamps to variousand organizations of Nazi Germany

Some organizations, such as the Nazi Party School, the Postal Service and the German Red Cross, put their initials directly on the hilt of the weapon. In the case of the DRK, the corresponding inscription was applied on the back of the dagger in the place where the image of the German eagle clutching the Red Cross emblem in its claws was placed on the front side. In contrast to this

way of marking, organizations such as NSFK and DLV put their emblem on the end of the dagger scabbard. In rare cases, two stamped emblems of these organizations can be seen on the same scabbard. The reasons for this should be sought in their history. First, as mentioned earlier, the DLV pilot community was created. It then came under the control of the Nazi Party and was reorganized into the NSFK. Serial numbers were also used to account for the number of military personnel in a particular organization.

A typical example is the daggers and cleavers of the German Postal Service, the Technical Corps (TENO), party schools, as well as the bayonet-knives of police units. By the numbers affixed to the daggers of the SS, SA and the National Socialist Corps, it was possible to find out all the ins and outs of its owner.
Along with these numbers, the manufacturers themselves applied special numbers that facilitate the process of releasing the final product during assembly production. If the components of some type of dagger were not made at one enterprise, but were dispersed in different parts of the city, then they were all marked with one code so that the final assembler knew which product they belonged to. This is clearly seen in the example of daggers for diplomatic workers. Here, each part of the dagger is marked with a special two-digit code.

Group affiliation

As mentioned earlier, the daggers of the SA unit, the National Socialist Corps and the SS were marked with special symbols or numbers that determined belonging to a particular group (mainly in their own way). geographic location) By this abbreviation it was possible to find out which regional organization belongs to the owner of the dagger, as well as the division and army unit. On SS daggers, the code of the army group was affixed in Roman numerals. On the knife of the Hitler Youth there was a number, directly above the sign of passing the control of the RZM, which spoke of the territorial affiliation of the organization, which included its owner.

Patent marks

Many copies of German edged weapons contain the abbreviation Ges. Gesh This is an abbreviated form of Gesetzlich Gesehutzt, which literally translates to "protected by law." This sign was affixed on the hilt of the dagger itself, or on the blade under the hilt, where the manufacturer's mark was usually located. These innovations can be both in the way the product is manufactured, and in a special form. separate parts dagger, etc. This brand indicates that the company has received a patent for the production of this type of product. As in modern production, the manufacturer cannot deviate from the standards introduced by the company or the patent holder organization. The company, on the other hand, can put the D R.P. symbols on the blade, which stand for Deutsches Reichs Patent and indicate its rights and that the design of this product cannot be repeated without prior agreement with another manufacturer

Mottos on blades

The motto "My honor is called loyalty" on the SS blade

All members of one or another organization of the Third Reich were required to wear the official mottos of their formations, which, as a rule, were etched on the blades of their daggers. The following mottos were official and most common:

SA, NSKK - "Alles fur Deutschland" ("All for Germany"); SS - "Meine Ehre heisst Treue" ("My honor is called loyalty"); NPEA - "Mehr Sein als Scheinen" ("Be better than you are"); Labor Corps - "Arbeit adelt" ("Labor ennobles"); Hitler Jugend - "Blut und Ehre" ("Blood and Honor").

Knife of the Hitler Youth with the motto "Blut und Ehre" - "Blood and honor"

Runic images

nordic runes

The Nazis wanted to force the German people to personify the nation of conquerors, like the ancient Vikings. Therefore, Hitler and the party bosses tried in every possible way to impose on German society the idea of ​​​​descent from the glorious northern peoples, whose way of life was a warrior. In this regard, it is enough to say that the first model of the Luftwaffe dagger and the dagger of the senior officers of the Hitler Youth were almost an exact copy of the weapons of the inhabitants of the Scandinavian Peninsula.

Like any other mass movement, symbolism played a paramount role in promoting the idea of ​​Nazism. The Nazis put the ancient antique images of runes as the basis for the development of their paraphernalia. The origin of the word "rune" originates from the symbols of the Greek alphabet, rewritten by the ancient Scandinavians in their own way. Runic writing dates back to about 300 AD. Translated from the ancient Scandinavian language, the word "rune" means "hidden", since the rune was first used in the role of secret writing among the druids and Tallinn priests. Collectors of German edged weapons are interested in runes, since they were included as design elements for blades and handles. For example, a runic inscription adorned the hilt of Hermann Goering's favorite dagger. The most famous are the so-called Zig runes - runes that are otherwise called "SS lightning". Sigrun consists of a runic image of the letter S (this is how it looks in the runic alphabet). Sigrun (or its double image) comes from an abbreviation of the German term Schutzstaffel (SS), which translates as "guard units".