SA Service Dagger (Early type) [FW. Höller]

F. W. Höller Waffenfabrik was founded in 1866 and officially registered with the Solingen authorities on June 5, 1883. From its inception, the firm specialized in the manufacture of edged weapons and cutlery. Throughout the late 19th century and during World War I, Höller produced a broad range of military edged weapons, including bayonets, sabers, and swords. In 1905, the company registered its well-known trademarks: the thermometer symbol and a figure tipping his hat above the slogan “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-weapon manufacturers in Solingen, producing an extensive array of military and political edged weapons. In 1935, the company was located at Sonnenstraße 8, Solingen, and in the same year received its RZM license M7/33. Höller advertised heavily in contemporary magazines and catalogs, showcasing a wide product range that included NSDAP and Wehrmacht daggers, swords, and bayonets. The firm was also known for producing dress bayonets with finely etched blades. In 1941, Höller celebrated its 75th anniversary, prominently promoting its Höller Model 21 sword. That same year, in June 1941, the company was assigned the wartime K98 bayonet letter code “fze.” After World War II, under the ownership of Herr Grah, Höller continued production, manufacturing flatware, kitchen and professional knives, swords, and scissors until the 1970s. The company was formally dissolved in December 1974.