Auction History
| Auction started |
Starting bid: $ 5,375
Auction ends: October 3, 2026 2:00 PM
Officer parade weapons, revived following the restoration of the German armed forces, continued the proud traditions of the Imperial Army and the Reichswehr. Unlike the Army dagger model 1935, officer sabers were produced in numerous design variations by various Solingen manufacturers. Production of this type of weapon was discontinued in May 1943 due to wartime industrial demands; however, examples already in service continued to be worn with parade uniforms. In late 1944, the wearing of parade edged weapons was completely abolished, and officers were ordered to carry a pistol instead of a saber or dagger.
The blade bears the mark of the renowned Solingen firm F. W. Höller Waffenfabrik, founded in 1866 and officially registered with the Solingen authorities on 5 June 1883. From its founding, the company specialized in the production of edged weapons and cutlery. Throughout the late 19th century and during the First World War, the firm manufactured a wide range of military products, including bayonets, sabers, and swords. In 1905, the company registered its well-known trademarks: the thermometer image, as well as the figure of a man tipping his hat with the inscription “Hut ab!” (“Hats off!”). From 1914 to 1939, the firm was managed by Julius Küller. During the Third Reich period, Höller became one of the largest and most prolific edged weapons manufacturers in Solingen, specializing in a broad range of military products. In 1935, the company was located at Sonnenstraße 8, Solingen, and that same year received RZM license M7/33. Products were actively advertised in specialized journals and catalogs, showcasing an extensive assortment that included NSDAP and Wehrmacht daggers, swords, and bayonets. The firm also produced parade bayonets with high-quality etched blades. In 1941, Höller celebrated its 75th anniversary, promoting the Höller Model 21 sword as its flagship model. In June 1941, the company was assigned the K98 bayonet manufacturer letter code (fze). Following the end of the Second World War, under the ownership of Herr Grah, the firm continued operations, producing cutlery, kitchen and professional knives, swords, and scissors through the 1970s. The company was officially liquidated in December 1974. Particular collector value is added to this example by a rare decorative detail: an additional eagle on the grip backstrap, distinguishing this saber from standard production specimens.