German Dagger Buyers.com do not sell on-line .

We like to know who we are dealing with and would not wish to sell to members of hate groups or supply edged weapons to young people.Visitors to Arundel are always welcome if you have a collection to sell or an individual Item you might like to see how we operate.Our Image archive is vast so if you wish to compare your items against our pictures  for the purposes of research we welcome you.

If you are hoping to achieve a better price for something unusual we offer a first rate consignment service!

German Dagger buyers.com is one of the most accessed of militaria buying web sites.

SA Daggers for sale

In order to retain our dagger buying position in a competitive market place we have run a number of Google add words campaigns.

HACO Berlin”
“Pfeilringwerk”
“Hugo Lindner Deltawerk”
“F.Dick”
“Wagner und Lange”
” C.G.Haenel Suhl”
zB
Aesculap, Tuttlingen
Peter Altenbach u. Söhne, Schwanenwerk, Ohlings
Argenta G.M.B.H.
Axt u. Hauerfabrik
Walter Bahrl, Höhscheid
Fritz Barthelmess, Bavaria, Muggendorf
A. u. H. Bassat, Ohligs
August Bickel, Steinbach, hallenberg
Bismarck
Eduard Becker, Kolumbuswerk
F.W. Beckmann G.M.B.H.
Carl Bender
Edmund Bergfeld u. Sohn, Ohligs
Gebr. Berns
Hugo Berns, HUBEO, Ohligs
Julius Bodenstein, Steinbach, Kr. M.
Gebr. Böhmenachel
Bönthgen u. Sabin, Fussball
Johan Breidor, Breidora, les 3 Croix
F. von Brosy, Steinberg
Otto Busch, Weltmeister
Clarfeld & Co., Hemer in Westfalen
Deppmeyer G.m.b.H., Besteckfabrik
Paul F. Dick, Esslingen A.N.
Ernst Dirlam, Höffnungswerk
J. Dirlam u. Söhne
Albert Dorschel
Eickelberg u. mack
Englert u. Solvie G.m.b.H.
C.F. Ern
Fernando Esser u. Cie
C. Eppstein Söhne
A. Feist u. Cie, Lunawerk
Josef Feist, OMEGA
Flocke u. Cie
Giesen u. Forsthoff
Grah und Deppmeyer, GRADE
Carl Grah, Stahlwaren, Ohligs
Ernst Crah
Gebr. Grah, Odysseus Werk AG
Ludwig Groten, Lanze u. Fahne
Carl Haas, Solingen-Wald
Hackländer u. Bick, HABIWA
H. Hauptner, Berlin
Herder u. Sohn, Diogenes, Ohligs
Friedrich Herkenrath, Ben Hur, Merscheid
Emil Hermes, Merscheid
Robert Hoppe, Höhscheid
Jäger u. Co., Silberwarenfabrik, D. Kaiserswerth
Johnswerk, Bayreuth
R.K.
Emil Kaiser u. Co.
Kamphausen u. Plumacher, Ohligs
Kastor u. Co., Ohligs
F.A. Kirschbaum u. Co.
Heinrich Kaufmann u. Söhne, Indiawerk
Abr. Knyn, Gräfrath
Wilh. Kober u. Co., Suhl
Fr. v.d. Kohlen, Gräfrath
H. Kopling
Wilh. Krieger
Gebr. Krumm
Gebr. Krusius, Gazelle
Carl Fr. Kuhrt, Kommandit Gesellschaft, Zellas Mehlis
August Kullenberg
J. Langenberg u. Co., JULANCO
Louper, Flamme, SS
Peter Lungstrass, Ohligs
August Malscher Sohn, Steinbach
Kr. M.Marx u. Cie, G.m.b.H.
Melzer u. Feller, Zella Mehlis
Robert MiddeldorfG.m.b.H., ROMI
Müller u. Schmidt, Pfeilringwerk
Josef Münch, Brotterode
Neidhardt u. Schmidt, Brotterode
Fred Nuhaus
Erich Neumeyer
Gebr. Noelle G.m.b.H.
F.E.D. Ohliger
E.P.S.
Hugo Pasch, Sonnal Stahlwarenfabrik
Daniel Peres
Wilhelm Pfeiffer u. Co.
Pränafawerk G.m.b.H., Gräfrath
E. Reich, Schweina
J. Reuleaux
Rhaastert u. Bull
Romüso, Merscheid
W.O. Rusche, Merscheid
J.P. Sauer u. Sohn, Suhl
C. Schlieper
Eugen Schmidt, Ohligs
Hermann Schneider, auf der Rhone
Abr. Schnitter, Wasso
Gebr. Seibel, Hessische Metallwerke, Ziegenhain
W. Seibel, Mettmann
Spateneder, München
Julius Steinberger, Ohligs
G. u. W. Stock, Gustoc
Süd Messer Fabrik, Gefrees
Tannenwerk
Carl Tillmans Söhne, Lux
Undine
Eduard Vitting
Adolf Völker, Schalkalden
Wagner u. lange
Weck u. Stamm, Weyer
Wilhelm Welterbach
Gebr. Weyersberg, Ohligs
Gottfr. Weyersberg Söhne
H. Wilke u. Co., Remscheid
Arthur Wingen, Chromolit Besteckfabrik
Gustav Wirth, Gräfrath
Viele Grüße Frank

Carl Eickhorn, google ,add words, google campaign, google militaria, google,nazi helmet, Militaria dealers,The war and peace show 2016, The Militaria Dealers,Matching, Deactivated,

 Militaria dealers can be assured that a carefully managed tailor made add words campaign will provide results.

Naturally the conventional maintenance of a website must not be overlooked irrespective of the enevitable boost in militaria traffic provided by google.

Carl Eickhorn, google ,add words,google campaign, google militaria, google,nazi helmet, Militaria dealersX The war and peace show 2016 The Militaria Dealers Matching, Deactivated,

SA Dagger Julius Bodenstein, Steinbach, Kr. M. “Alles fur Deutschland” Valuation $600 Price ,

S.A. Dagger Gebr. Böhmenachel “Alles fur Deutschland” Valuation $700 Price,

S.A. Dagger Bönthgen u. Sabin, Fussball “Alles fur Deutschland” Valuation $700 Price,

S.A. Dagger Johan Breidor, Breidora, les 3 Croix “Alles fur Deutschland” Valuation $700 Price,

S.A. Dagger F. von Brosy, Steinberg “Alles fur Deutschland” Valuation $700 Price,

Welcome to

German Daggers

a webpage of germandaggerbuyers.com

At German Dagger Buyers.com

 We Are Engaged In The Acquisition Of  Museum Worthy Exhibits.

We Currently  Supply Museums , Academic Collectors , And Ethical Investment Groups.

By Dealing With Dedicated Professionals Your Items Are Destined To Form Part Of Balanced Educational Displays.

We Distance Ourselves Unreservedly From The Unregulated Online Trade

In Nazi Memorabilia.

By Dealing With German Dagger Buyers.com You Can Rest Assured That

Whilst Our Business Is Commercial 

Our Interest Is Solely In Preserving History.

 We Believe

That  People From All  Cultures,  Religions And Orientations Should Practise Tolerance Towards One Another . Humanity Must Learn To Coexist .

The Study Of History From All Periods Is Enhanced By The Existence Of Artifacts.

Genuine Third Reich Artifacts Are Evidence Of The Darkest of  Era’s, One Which Must Never Be Allowed To Return, Education Is ,We believe  Key To This Process.

The Responsible Collectors

Of The 21st Century Are Custodians Of Artifacts Which In Time Will Form Part Of  Public Museums Of The Future.

the original ethical internet  website for those wishing to sell their 

German dagger.

Wanted

Kriegsmarine Daggers By P.D. LUNESCHLOSS, SOLINGEN trade mark in double oval with stylized sword, swastika pommel and fouled anchor cross guard.  Plated double-etched blades,having  fouled anchor or sailing ship motifs . Gilded brass lightning pattern or hammered scabbards Paying $1000 for good examples;

A  website providing Free expert valuations,

dedicated to the acquisition and preservation of Imperial and Third Reich German Dress Daggers and associated Militaria.

We provide pictures of Militaria with corresponding information and prices to assist people in evaluating items at a glance.Nazi daggers frequently have a Motto etched onto the blade.  “Mehr sein als scheinen” is the motto seen on the super rare N.P.E.A Daggers. Meine Ehre heißt Treue is the motto on the highly collectable SS Daggers. For Hitlers Street Army The S.A. “ulles fur deutschland” runs down the obverse of the blade .

The site has no affiliations with any organization,

other than those connected with this historical study.

We do not support the open sale of knives or Nazi material over the net and distance ourselves from those who might.

German Daggers range in value from around $300 for a relic example of one of the more common examples,

to around $100,000 for the rarest S.A. Guards Feldherenhallhaler .

At German Dagger Buyers.com

 We Are Engaged In The Acquisition Of  Museum Worthy Exhibits.

We Currently  Supply Museums , Academic Collectors , And Ethical Investment Groups.

By Dealing With Dedicated Professionals Your Items Are Destined To Form Part Of Balanced Educational Displays.

We Distance Ourselves Unreservedly From The Unregulated Online Trade

In Nazi Memorabilia.

By Dealing With German Dagger Buyers.com You Can Rest Assured That

Whilst Our Business Is Commercial 

Our Interest Is Solely In Preserving History.

 We Believe

That  People From All  Cultures,  Religions And Orientations Should Practise Tolerance Towards One Another . Humanity Must Learn To Coexist .

The Study Of History From All Periods Is Enhanced By The Existence Of Artifacts.

Genuine Third Reich Artifacts Are Evidence Of The Darkest of  Era’s, One Which Must Never Be Allowed To Return, Education Is ,We believe  Key To This Process.

The Responsible Collectors

Of The 21st Century Are Custodians Of Artifacts Which In Time Will Form Part Of  Public Museums Of The Future.

 WW2 Buyer .com and Germandaggerbuyers.com were among the original internet militaria buying websites.

Recently it was bought to our attention from by an American WW2 Veteran,s family that they had approached a number of sites and were comforted to know that their family’s souvenirs  been sold directly to a collector ,one who had no intention of selling them on?

This puzzled me in view of the fact that from my own experience getting a highly ranked website costs considerable time and money.

Further questioning of the Vets family was revealing they described a group of items and photographs obtained during their late fathers time in Europe .

I inquired just how much cash they had received,their answer was sickening.

They had been duped!.

Mindful

that I was potentialy

loosing customers I set about contacting those websites where the buyer claimed to be a collector.

Predictably all those highly ranked buying sites turned out to be commercially driven .

these collector buyers all were eager to tell me what they had purchased and what prices they were prepared to sell it to me for.

I cannot say with any degree of certainty that some of these fellows? did not have a private collection back home.

My point is this . If a dealer attempts to win the sympathy of  a Veteran’s family with a lie he is engaging in criminal deception.

Denying  a veteran’s family or any other citizen the opportunity of getting a fare market value by such deception is wrong!.

NEVER SELL TO A MILITARIA COLLECTOR ON LINE UNLESS HE OR SHE REALLY IS A MILITARIA COLLECTOR.

ALWAYS GET A SECOND OPINION THEN ANOTHER FOR GOOD MEASURE .MILITARIA ROUTINELY SELLS FOR $000000′

DON’T LET YOURSELF OR YOUR FAMILY GET ANYTHING LESS THAN WHAT IS DESERVED!

Wanted German Navy Daggers

(Kriegsmarine ) and Army Daggers (Heer)

manufactured by “Clemen & Jung Solingen”

having “Z” shield trade mark ,

Gilded lightning bolt or hammered scabbard ivory coloured handles ..

Wanted German Navy Daggers

(Kriegsmarine ) and Army Daggers (Heer)

Manufactured by Robert Klaas (Kissing Crane Trade Mark)  

NOW SOLD 2016

click on the link below to hear the Wehrmacht Awards Forum synopsis. 

below.http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=877491

Multi Gallantry Award Knights Cross Grouping to Leutnant Artur Tiefensee

Occasionally we at WW2 buyer.com

find something special and exciting

The following purchase came

about as a result of ten year long friendship and trading relationship with a Coldstream enthusiast guards collector.

The gentleman who lives in Bremen got to hear from family friends  that they were to sell Father’s Knights cross grouping.

What followed was unexpected as described by Simon Lannoy 

A quite incredible multi gallantry Knights Cross group, obtained  from the family of Oberleutnant Artur Tiefensee, 7/ Grenadier Regiment 43, 1st Infantry Division.
Awarded in August 1944 as a result of his actions in keeping a large number of Russian at bay, during which he sustained injuries resulting in the amputation of his right arm along with severe injuries to both legs, his Knights Cross forms the pinnacle of the group. Of significance is that the ribbon is fitted with a one piece elastic strap in contrast to the two piece strap with hook and ring. This made it possible for the one armed officer to dress himself with his decoration.

Remarkably when Oberleutnant Tiefensee recovered from his injuries the now one armed warier returned to the front! and surviving the war having fled from east Prussia . He and his Family settled in Bremen.

Arther passed away in 2000

The Knights Cross of the Iron Cross 1939 is by Steinhauer & Luck, A-Type Micro 800, with magnetic core, frosted silver frame marked 800 on reverse top arm. Exhibiting the manufacturing characteristics and die flaws of a Steinhauer & Luck for the year of issue it is a textbook A-Type produced during Third Reich and known among collectors as “micro 800” version. Cross measures 48.22mm x 48.05mm, weight of approximately 34 grams, loop length of 19.88mm, wire diameter of 1.48mm and marked 800; with elasticated KK2? Ribbon, lightly worn, in good condition.

Also included is his Deschler German Cross in Gold awarded in 1942. There is damage and loss to the enamel at the center of the Swastika but it is very interesting to note that a dark mark between the top two legs is visible in the copy of this and other period photographs of him wearing it the shattered enamel could well have occurred at the time of his injuries.  His decorations also include his Iron Cross First Class, a button hole miniature Knights Cross and Ribbon, along with an Adolf Hitler visiting card, his Identity Disk showing his blood group and regiment and two lapel pins showing his membership of Ordensgemeinschaft der Ritterkreuztrager.
On the occasion of his 70th Birthday he attended a venue hosted by members of the O.d.R where he was presented with a commemorative iron plate by Knights Cross winner Oberst Hans Michaelis, a photograph of whom is included, along with the iron plate.

Also included is copy of the O.d.R magazine with an article on Tiefensee and the 1981 presentation, a photocopy of Ostpreussisches Tageblatt from September 1944 which gives full details on his Knights Cross Citation and copies of his birth and death certificate.
Finally and most importantly, the grouping is accompanied by a signed and witnessed letter of authenticity by Klaus Tiefensee, Artur Tifensee’s son.

Post Script

When the grouping was featured on the Whermacht Awards Forum it was spotted by Tom a prolific contributor who posted the comments below.http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=877491

MILITARIA SELLING SAFEGUARDS

AGAINST BEING SCAMMED .

ALWAYS OBTAIN A SECOND OPINION WHEN CONSIDERING THE SALE OF MILITARIA ONLINE.

NEVER GET SEDUCED BY THE LINES SUCH AS

 “I AM A MILITARIA COLLECTOR?”

MILITARIA COLLECTORS WHO SPEND THOUSANDS ON ADVERTISING ARE DOING SO FOR FINANCIAL REWARD EVEN IF THEY BUY AS PART OF THEIR PENSION SCHEME ..

LOOK FOR A VAT NUMBER AND SEARCH THE GIVEN ADDRESS ON GOOGLE EARTH.

IF IT IS A DOMESTIC RESIDENCE, A CAB OFFICE,OR SIMILAR WHICH FAILS TO MEASURE UP TO YOUR EXPECTATIONS MOOVE ON.

ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOU ARE BEING PAID USING THE “PAYPAL ” SERVICE AND THAT THE BUYER WILL PROVIDE PAYMENT FOR SHIPPING COSTS.

GENUINE MUSEUM BUYERS ARE THOSE WITH A TRACK RECORD OF PROVIDING EXHIBITS FOR REGIMENTAL AND MILITARY MUSEUMS .

SUCH BUYERS WILL PAY MORE THAN THE ESTABLISHED VALUE FOR ARTICLES WHICH COME WITH PROVENANCE .

At German Dagger Buyers.com

 We Are Engaged In The Acquisition Of  Museum Worthy Exhibits.

We Currently  Supply Museums , Academic Collectors , And Ethical Investment Groups.

By Dealing With Dedicated Professionals Your Items Are Destined To Form Part Of Balanced Educational Displays.

We Distance Ourselves Unreservedly From The Unregulated Online Trade

In Nazi Memorabilia.

By Dealing With German Dagger Buyers.com You Can Rest Assured That

Whilst Our Business Is Commercial 

Our Interest Is Solely In Preserving History.

 We Believe

That  People From All  Cultures,  Religions And Orientations Should Practise Tolerance Towards One Another . Humanity Must Learn To Coexist .

The Study Of History From All Periods Is Enhanced By The Existence Of Artifacts.

Genuine Third Reich Artifacts Are Evidence Of The Darkest of  Era’s, One Which Must Never Be Allowed To Return, Education Is ,We believe  Key To This Process.

The Responsible Collectors

Of The 21st Century Are Custodians Of Artifacts Which In Time Will Form Part Of  Public Museums Of The Future.

Faced with the task of selling a NAZI Dagger will most likely start with a trawl around the internet .

Certainly getting a feel for what you have and what dealers price similar items for is the logical first step.

 you should achieve no less than 70% of what a dealers are asking for a comparable NAZI Dagger   .

The savvy seller will often send the same request for a free NAZI dagger valuation to a number of specialists at the same time .

Naturally assuming all reply’s to be genuine the highest bid/offer will be selected .

Let me offer some useful advice at this point .

If you have agreed to sell to one website please avoid telling the loosing bidders what price you have accepted

or who you have chosen to sell your Nazi Dagger to.

Why not?

The rivalry between dealers is great.

Tactics such as convincing the seller that they could do better if he or she backs out of the deal can and will result in the loss of an advantageous sale.

An angry looser can mislead you resulting in unsatisfactory consequences .

In short do your homework. if you are comfortable with the offer and feel that it measures up to your expectations proceed .

Revealing the achieved selling price of your Nazi Dagger to other interested party’s can put you in the firing line for fraudulent boasts and worse ..

 German Blade Makers Operating during

The 20th Century

At German Dagger Buyers.com

 We Are Engaged In The Acquisition Of  Museum Worthy Exhibits.

We Currently  Supply Museums , Academic Collectors , And Ethical Investment Groups.

By Dealing With Dedicated Professionals Your Items Are Destined To Form Part Of Balanced Educational Displays.

We Distance Ourselves Unreservedly From The Unregulated Online Trade

In Nazi Memorabilia.

By Dealing With German Dagger Buyers.com You Can Rest Assured That

Whilst Our Business Is Commercial 

Our Interest Is Solely In Preserving History.

 We Believe

That  People From All  Cultures,  Religions And Orientations Should Practise Tolerance Towards One Another . Humanity Must Learn To Coexist .

The Study Of History From All Periods Is Enhanced By The Existence Of Artifacts.

Genuine Third Reich Artifacts Are Evidence Of The Darkest of  Era’s, One Which Must Never Be Allowed To Return, Education Is ,We believe  Key To This Process.

The Responsible Collectors

Of The 21st Century Are Custodians Of Artifacts Which In Time Will Form Part Of  Public Museums Of The Future.

ACS – see Alexander Coppel GmbH
ACW – see Alexander Coppel GmbH
AES -= Arthur Evertz

Alcoso = Alexander Coppel GmbH
Alpina – see Hans Kolping
AMSO – see Albert Mebus
ARMESO – see Artur Melcher
ASSO – see Arthur Schuttelhofer & Co
AWJr = Anton Wingen Jr

AWJr = Anton Wingen Jr

Baron – see Gottfried Weyersberg Sohne KG
Bismarck = August Muller KG
Bulldog = Gebr Halbach
Aesculap AG, Tuttlingen

F W Backhaus GmbH, Solingen-Ohligs
Julius Bahrl Jr., Solingen-Merscheid
Richard Balke & Sohne, Solingen
Fritz Barthelmess (Bavaria), Muggendorf
Gunter Bastian, Solingen

Eduard Becker (Kolumbuswerk), Solingen
Gebruder Becker, Solingen
Gebruder Bell KG, Solingen-Grafrath
Carl Bender, Solingen-Grafrath
Gebruder Berns (Otterwerk), Solingen-Hohscheid
Hugo Berns (Hubeo), Solingen-Ohligs
C Bertram & Sohn Reinhard, Solingen-Wald

August Bickel, Steinbech-Hallenberg
Karl Bocker, Solingen
Julius Bodenstein, Steinbech

Gebruder Bohm Nachf (Messerfabrik), Brotterrode
Heinrich Boker & Co (Baumwerk), Solingen-Remscheid
E Bonsmann (Dreiakerwerk), Solingen-Ohligs
Bontgen & Sabin (Bonsawerk), Solingen
Gebruder Born (Besteckfabrik), Solingen
Justus Brenger & Co (Justinuswerk), Solingen-Wald
F von Brosy-Steinberb, Solingen-Ohligs
Ernst Bruckmann, Solingen-Ohligs

Rudolf Buechel, Solingen-Merscheid
Karl Burgsmuller, Berlin
Ernst Busch, Solingen
CAM = Carl Aug Meis GmbH
CE = Carl Eickhorn

Ch AW =Arthur Wingen
Chromolit = Arthur Wingen
Constantwerk – see Friedrich Herder Abr Sohn
Curdts Nachf – see E H Otto GmbH
Curna – see E H Otto GmbH
Gebruder Christians (Christianswerk), Solingen-Nord
Ewald Cleff, Solingen
Clemen & Jung, Solingen

Alexander Coppel GmbH (Alcoso), Solingen
Alexander Coppel GmbH (Alcoso), Solingen
Curten & Holtgen, Solingen
D
Deltawerk – see Hugo Linder
Diogenes – see Herder & Sohn
Friedr Dick GmbH, Esslingen

Ernst Dirlam (Hoffnungswerk), Solingen-Hoffnung
Dirlam & Sohne, Solingen-Manganberg
J E Dittert & Co, Neustadt
Albert Dorschel, Solingen
Richard Drees & Sohn KG, Solingen
E
EP&S – see Ernst Pack & Sohne GmbH

Paul Ebel, Solingen
Eickelnberg & Mack GmbH, Solingen
Carl Eickhorn, Solingen – to 1921
Carl Eickhorn, Solingen – 1921 to 1933
Carl Eickhorn, Solingen (stamped) – 1936-1941
Carl Eickhorn, Solingen

Part of the Museum Style display at our store. Vistors to Arundel Castle are encouraged to come had have a look around we have two floors of Historic artifacts/

C Eppenstein Sohne, Solingen
H A Erbe AG, Schmalkalden
Arthur Evertz, Solingen
F
Fischerwerk – see Paul Kohl
Flamme – see Louis Perlmann

Fridericus – see Gebr Wester
Feldbeck & Pickard, Solingen
Gustav F Felix (Gloriawerk), Solingen
Franz Frenzel, Nixdorf
G
Gaegler – see F & A Helbig
Gazelle – see Gebr Krusius AG
Gloria – see Gustav F Felix

Gloriawerk – see Gustav F Felix
Friedrich Geigis, Solingen-Foche
Eduard Gembruch, Solingen-Grafrath
Emil Gierling, Solingen
Emil Gierling, Solingen
Rob Giersh, Solingen-Wald
Giesen & Forsthoff, Solingen

Gebr Grafrath, Solingen-Widdert
Gebr Grafrath (Grawiso), Solingen-Widdert
Gebr Grafrath, Solingen-Widdert
Gebr Grafrath, Solingen-Widdert
Carl Grah, Solingen-Ohligs
Ernst Grah, Solingen-Wald
Grah Gebr., KG (Grasoliwerk), Solingen
Grah Gebr., KG (Grasoliwerk), Solingen
Gust Reinhold Grah, Solingen-Foche
Ludwig Groten, Solingen
H
Hoffnungswerk – see Ernst Dirlam
Hubeo – see Hugo Berns
Indiawerk – see Heinrich Kaufmann & Sohne KG
Carl Haas, Solingen-Wald
Richard Haastert & Bull, Solingen-Wald
Josef Hack GmbH, Steyr
HACO Transport GmbH (HACO), Berlin
C G Haenel AG, Suhl
Eugen Haering, Solingen
Hermann Hahn, Solingen-Wald

Gustav Haker, Solingen-Merscheid
Gustav Haker, Solingen-Merscheid
Gustav Haker, Solingen-Merscheid
Carl Halbach (Stahlwarenfabrik), Solingen
Gebr Halbach (Bulldog), Solingen-Ohligs
Wilhelm Halbach, Solingen-Foche
Wilhelm Halbach, Solingen-Foche
Hammesfahr Cie, Solingen
Hammesfahr Cie, Solingen
Gottlieb Hammesfahr, Solingen-Foche
Gottlieb Hammesfahr, Solingen-Foche
Hartkopf & Co, Solingen
Hartkopf & Co, Solingen
Rich & E Hartkopf, Solingen-Merscheid
Carl Heidelberg, Solingen-Grafrath
Carl Heidelberg, Solingen-Grafrath
F & A Helbig (Gaegler), Steinbech
F & A Helbig (Gaegler), Steinbech
F & A Helbig (Gaegler), Steinbech
Gebr Heller, Schmalkalden
Gebr Heller, Marienthal
Gebr Heller, Marienthal (Etched)
Gebr Heller, Marienthal (Stamped)
J A Henckels KG (Zwillingswerk), Solingen
Paul A Henckels, Solingen
Henkel & Muller AG (Macero), Solingen-Ohligs
Herbeck & Meyer, Solingen-Hohscheid
Herbertz & Meurer, Solingen-Grafrath
Herder & Engels, Solingen-Ohligs
Herder & Sohn (Diogenes), Solingen-Ohligs
Friedrich Herder Abr Sohn (Constantwerk)
H Herder, Solingen-Ohligs
Richard Herder Abr, Solingen
F W Holler, Solingen
F W Holler – early production (19 ticks), Solingen
F W Holler – mid production (17 ticks), Solingen
F W Holler – late production (11 ticks), Solingen
Curt Hoppe, Solingen
Gottfr Hoppe Sohne, Solingen
Wilhelm Hoppe, Solingen
E & F Horster & Co Gmbh, Solingen
E & F Horster & Co Gmbh (Horstator), Solingen
E & F Horster & Co Gmbh (Horstator), Solingen
J
JMB – see Josef Munch
Johanniswerk – see Johann Leupold
Justinuswerk – see Justus Brenger & Co
Jacobs & Co, Solingen-Grafrath
C Rudolf Jacobs, Solingen-Grafrath
F Wilhelm Jordan, Solingen-Wald

K
Kolumbuswerk – see Eduard Becker
KWICK – see Carl Zander
Carl Kaiser & Co, Solingen
Emil Kaiser & Co, Solingen
Max Kaiser (Waffenhammer), Deggendorf
Karl Robert Kaldenbach, Solingen-Grafrath
Heinrich Kaufmann & Sohne KG (Indiawerk), Solingen
C F Kayser (Kormoran), Solingen
Ernst Kemper, Solingen
Georg Kerschbaumer, Steinbach
F A Kirschbaum & Co, Solingen
Robert Klaas, Solingen-Ohligs
Klittermann & Moog GmbH, Solingen-Haan
Carl Kloos, Solingen-Landwehr
August Knecht, Solingen
Ernst Knecht & Co, Solingen-Wustenhof
Wilhelm Kober & Co, Suhl
Koch & Rau, Stuttgart
Paul Kohl (Fischerwerk), Solingen-Foche
Friedrich von der Kohlen, Solingen-Grafrath
Friedrich von der Kohlen, Solingen-Grafrath
Gustav L Koller Nache, Solingen-Wald
Hugo Koller, Solingen
Hans Kolping (Alpinawerk), Solingen-Wald
Hermann Konejung AG, Solingen
Carl Julius Krebs (Kronenkrebs), Solingen
Pet Dan Krebs, Solingen
Wilhelm Kreiger, Solingen-Merscheid
Heinrich Krieghoff
Heinrich Krom (HCH), Muchen
Gebr Krumm, Solingen
Arter Krupp AG, Berndorf
Gebr Krusius AG, Solingen-Wald
Carl Fr Kuhrt KG, Zella Mehlis
August Kullenberg, Solingen-Grafrath
Kupper & Oertling (Neptun), Solingen
Kupper & Sohnius (Fleischerwerk), Solingen-Remscheid
L
Louper – see Louis Perlmann
Lux – see Carl Tillmann Sohne KG
Lauterjung & Co (Tiger), Solingen
Lauterjung & Co (Tiger), Solingen
Lauterjung & Co (PUMA)
H & F Lauterjung, Solingen-Widdert
Johann Leupold, Bayreuth
Johann Leupold (Johnnswerk), Bayreuth
Johann Leupold (Leuco), Bayreuth
Johann Leupold (Leuco), Bayreuth
Johann Leupold (Leuco), Bayreuth
Carl Linder, Solingen-Merscheid
Carl & Robert Linder, Solingen-Weyer
Hermann Linder & Sohne (Senta), Solingen
Hugo Linder & C W Sohn (Linor), Solingen
Hugo Linder (Deltawerk), Solingen
Otto Linder, Solingen-Merscheid
P D Luneschloss, Solingen
Peter Lungstrass, Solingen-Ohligs
Peter Lungstrass, Solingen-Ohligs
Carl Lutters & Cie (Lowenwerk), Solingen
E Luttges & Co, Solingen
Gebr. Lutzenkirchen, Solingen
M
Macero – see Henkel & Muller AG
MANN – see Ernst Bruckmann
Malsch & Ambronn, Stainbech
August Malsch Fr Sohn, Steinbach
David Malsch, Steinbach
Karl Malsch Gust Sohn, Steinbach
Karl Malsch-Spitzer, Steinbach
Ernst Mandlewirth, Solingen
Max May & vom Hau, Solingen-Ohligs
Albert Mebus, Solingen-Ohligs
Carl Aug Meis GmbH (Cam), Solingen-Merscheid
Kuno Meisenburg (Undine), Solingen
Artur Melcher, Solingen-Merscheid
Melzer & Feller, Zella Mehlis
August Merten Wwe, Solingen-Grafrath
August Muller KG (Bismarck), Solingen-Merscheid
Muller & Smschmidt (Pfeilringwerk), Solingen
Gottfried Muller, Herges
Robert Muller, Solingen-Merscheid
Robert Muller & Sohn (Romuso), Solingen-Merscheid
Josef Munch (JMB), Brotterode
N
Neptun – see Kupper & Oertling
C Gustav Neeff, Solingen
Neidhardt & Schmidt, Brotterode
Ferd Neuhaus, Solingen
OOtter, Otterwerk – see Gebruder Berns
F Ed Ohliger, Solingen
Julius Ohliger, Solingen
Karl Oschmann & Co., Brotterode
E H Otto GmbH (Curdts Nachf), Solingen
E H Otto GmbH (Curdts Nachf), Solingen
E H Otto GmbH (Curdts Nachf), Solingen
Ottersbach & Co., Solingen
P
PAWECO – see Paul Weyersberg & Co Perfectum – see E Spitzer
Pfeilringwerk – see Muller & Smschmidt
Puma, Pumawerk – see Lauterjung & Sohn
Ernst Pack & Sohne GmbH, Solingen
Anw Pauseback, Solingen
Daniel Peres Co GmbH, Solingen
Louis Perlmann (Louper), Solingen
Franz Pils & Sohne, Steinbach
Franz Pils & Sohne, Steyr
Julius Pils, Nixdorf
Friedrich Plucker Jr, Solingen-Grafrath
Richard Plumacher Sohn, Solingen
Richard Plumacher Sohn, Solingen
Pumeto, Solingen
R
ROMUSO – see Robert Muller & Sohn
Hugo Rader, Solingen
Ernst Hugo Rasspe, Solingen
Ehrhardt Reich, Schweina
Cuno Remscheid & Co (Remeve), Solingen-Aufderhohe
Josef Reuleaux, Solingen-Wald
Kuno Ritter, Solingen-Grafrath
Ernst Romer, Solingen
August Rother, Solingen
Albert Rottgen, Solingen
Ernst Rottgen, Solingen
Franz Rupprecht, Duren
S
J P Sauer & Sohn, Suhl
Carl D Schaaff, Solingen
Eugen Scheidt, Solingen-Ohligs
Carl A Schlieper, Solingen-Remscheid
Josef Schlimbach, Solingen
J A Schmidt & Sohne, Solingen
Rudolf Schmidt, Solingen
Friedrich Aug Schmitz, Solingen
Gustav Schneider Nachf, Solingen
Hermann Schneider, Solingen-Aufderhohe
Hermann Schneider, Solingen-Aufderhohe
Abr Schnittert (Wasso), Solingen-Wald
Emil Schrick & Sohn, Solingen
Arthur Schuttelhofer & Co (Asso), Solingen-Wald
Paul Seilheimer, Solingen
Hugo Servatius, Solingen
Otto Simon, Steinbach
Solinger Axt und Hauerfabrik GmbH, Solingen-Ohligs
Solinger Axt und Hauerfabrik GmbH, Solingen-Ohligs (Small)
Solinger Axt und Hauerfabrik GmbH, Solingen-Ohligs
Spalteneder, Muchen
C Gustav Spitzer KG, Soligen
Karl Spitzer, Steinbach
Franz Steinhoff, Solingen-Wald
Stocker & Co (SMF), Solingen
Otto Stover, Solingen
Suddeutsche Messerfabrik GmbH, Gefrees
Tiger – see Lauterjung & Co
Karl Tiegel (Tiegelwerk), Riemberg, Schlesien
Carl Tillmann Sohne KG, Solingen-Remscheid
Gebr Torley, Solingen-Wald
V
Undine – see Kuno Meisenburg
Eduard Vitting, Solingen
Aldolf Volker, Schmalkalden
Aldolf Volker, Schmalkalden
Emil Voos, Solingen
Gustav Voss, Solingen
W
Waffenhammer – see Max Kaiser
Wagner & Lange, Solingen
Wilhelm Wagner, Solingen-Merscheid
Fritz Weber, Wien
Franz Weinrank, Wien
Wilhelm Weltersbach, Solingen
A Werth, Solingen
Wester & Butz, Solingen-Merscheid
Gebr Wester (Fridericus), Solingen
Gebr Weyersberg GmbH, Solingen-Ohligs
Gebr Weyersberg GmbH, Solingen-Ohligs
Gottfried Weyersberg Sohne KG, Solingen
Gottfried Weyersberg Sohne KG (Baron), Solingen
Gottfried Weyersberg Sohne KG (Baron), Solingen
Gustav Weyersberg Nachf, Solingen
Gustav Weyersberg Nachf, Solingen
Max Weyersberg WMW, Solingen
Max Weyersberg WMW, Solingen
Max Weyersberg WMW, Solingen
Max Weyersberg WMW, Solingen
Paul Weyersberg & Co, Solingen
Paul Weyersberg & Co, Solingen
Paul Weyersberg & Co (PAWECO), Solingen
Reinhard Weyersberg, Solingen
Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie AG (WKC), Solingen
Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie AG (WKC), Solingen
Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie AG (WKC), Solingen
Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie AG (WKC), Solingen
Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie AG (WKC), Solingen
Thomas Wielputz GmbH, Solingen-Hohscheid
Anton Wingen Jr, Solingen
Anton Wingen Jr, Solingen
Arthur Wingen (Chromolit), Solingen
Arthur Wingen (Chromolit), Solingen
Arthur Wingen (Chromolit), Solingen
Gustav Wirth, Solingen-Grafrath
Ernst Erich Witte, Solingen
Ernst Erich Witte, Solingen
Josef Wolf, Munchen-Au
Wolfertz Is, Solingen-Grafrath
Rudolf Wurzer, St. Christofen
Carl Wusthof AG (Gladiatorwerk), Solingen
Carl Wusthof AG (Gladiatorwerk), Solingen
Ed Wustoff, Solingen
Z
Zwillingswerk – see J A Henckels KG
Ludwig Zeitler, Wien

Maker Marks
A-B
ACS – see Alexander Coppel GmbH
ACW – see Alexander Coppel GmbH
AES -= Arthur Evertz
Alcoso = Alexander Coppel GmbH
Alpina – see Hans Kolping
AMSO – see Albert Mebus
ARMESO – see Artur Melcher
ASSO – see Arthur Schuttelhofer & Co
AWJr = Anton Wingen Jr
Baron – see Gottfried Weyersberg Sohne KG
Bismarck = August Muller KG
Bulldog = Gebr Halbach
Aesculap AG, Tuttlingen
F W Backhaus GmbH, Solingen-Ohligs
Julius Bahrl Jr., Solingen-Merscheid
Richard Balke & Sohne, Solingen
Fritz Barthelmess (Bavaria), Muggendorf
Gunter Bastian, Solingen
Eduard Becker (Kolumbuswerk), Solingen
Gebruder Becker, Solingen
Gebruder Bell KG, Solingen-Grafrath
Carl Bender, Solingen-Grafrath
Gebruder Berns (Otterwerk), Solingen-Hohscheid
Hugo Berns (Hubeo), Solingen-Ohligs
C Bertram & Sohn Reinhard, Solingen-Wald
August Bickel, Steinbech-Hallenberg
Karl Bocker, Solingen
Julius Bodenstein, Steinbech
Gebruder Bohm Nachf (Messerfabrik), Brotterrode
Heinrich Boker & Co (Baumwerk), Solingen-Remscheid
E Bonsmann (Dreiakerwerk), Solingen-Ohligs
Bontgen & Sabin (Bonsawerk), Solingen
Gebruder Born (Besteckfabrik), Solingen
Justus Brenger & Co (Justinuswerk), Solingen-Wald
F von Brosy-Steinberb, Solingen-Ohligs
Ernst Bruckmann, Solingen-Ohligs
Rudolf Buechel, Solingen-Merscheid
Karl Burgsmuller, Berlin
Ernst Busch, Solingen
CAM = Carl Aug Meis GmbH
CE = Carl Eickhorn
Ch AW =Arthur Wingen
Chromolit = Arthur Wingen
Constantwerk – see Friedrich Herder Abr Sohn
Curdts Nachf – see E H Otto GmbH
Curna – see E H Otto GmbH
Gebruder Christians (Christianswerk), Solingen-Nord
Ewald Cleff, Solingen
Clemen & Jung, Solingen
Alexander Coppel GmbH (Alcoso), Solingen
Alexander Coppel GmbH (Alcoso), Solingen
Curten & Holtgen, Solingen
D
Deltawerk – see Hugo Linder
Diogenes – see Herder & Sohn
Friedr Dick GmbH, Esslingen
Ernst Dirlam (Hoffnungswerk), Solingen-Hoffnung
Dirlam & Sohne, Solingen-Manganberg
J E Dittert & Co, Neustadt
Albert Dorschel, Solingen
Richard Drees & Sohn KG, Solingen
E
EP&S – see Ernst Pack & Sohne GmbH
Paul Ebel, Solingen
Eickelnberg & Mack GmbH, Solingen
Carl Eickhorn, Solingen – to 1921
Carl Eickhorn, Solingen – 1921 to 1933
Carl Eickhorn, Solingen (stamped) – 1936-1941
Carl Eickhorn, Solingen
C Eppenstein Sohne, Solingen
H A Erbe AG, Schmalkalden
Arthur Evertz, Solingen
F
Fischerwerk – see Paul Kohl
Flamme – see Louis Perlmann
Fridericus – see Gebr Wester
Feldbeck & Pickard, Solingen
Gustav F Felix (Gloriawerk), Solingen
Franz Frenzel, Nixdorf
G
Gaegler – see F & A Helbig
Gazelle – see Gebr Krusius AG
Gloria – see Gustav F Felix
Gloriawerk – see Gustav F Felix
Friedrich Geigis, Solingen-Foche
Eduard Gembruch, Solingen-Grafrath
Emil Gierling, Solingen
Emil Gierling, Solingen
Rob Giersh, Solingen-Wald
Giesen & Forsthoff, Solingen
Gebr Grafrath, Solingen-Widdert
Gebr Grafrath (Grawiso), Solingen-Widdert
Gebr Grafrath, Solingen-Widdert
Gebr Grafrath, Solingen-Widdert
Carl Grah, Solingen-Ohligs
Ernst Grah, Solingen-Wald
Grah Gebr., KG (Grasoliwerk), Solingen
Grah Gebr., KG (Grasoliwerk), Solingen
Gust Reinhold Grah, Solingen-Foche
Ludwig Groten, Solingen
H
Hoffnungswerk – see Ernst Dirlam
Hubeo – see Hugo Berns
Indiawerk – see Heinrich Kaufmann & Sohne KG
Carl Haas, Solingen-Wald
Richard Haastert & Bull, Solingen-Wald
Josef Hack GmbH, Steyr
HACO Transport GmbH (HACO), Berlin
C G Haenel AG, Suhl
Eugen Haering, Solingen
Hermann Hahn, Solingen-Wald
Gustav Haker, Solingen-Merscheid
Gustav Haker, Solingen-Merscheid
Gustav Haker, Solingen-Merscheid
Carl Halbach (Stahlwarenfabrik), Solingen
Gebr Halbach (Bulldog), Solingen-Ohligs
Wilhelm Halbach, Solingen-Foche
Wilhelm Halbach, Solingen-Foche
Hammesfahr Cie, Solingen
Hammesfahr Cie, Solingen
Gottlieb Hammesfahr, Solingen-Foche
Gottlieb Hammesfahr, Solingen-Foche
Hartkopf & Co, Solingen
Hartkopf & Co, Solingen
Rich & E Hartkopf, Solingen-Merscheid
Carl Heidelberg, Solingen-Grafrath
Carl Heidelberg, Solingen-Grafrath
F & A Helbig (Gaegler), Steinbech
F & A Helbig (Gaegler), Steinbech
F & A Helbig (Gaegler), Steinbech
Gebr Heller, Schmalkalden
Gebr Heller, Marienthal
Gebr Heller, Marienthal (Etched)
Gebr Heller, Marienthal (Stamped)
J A Henckels KG (Zwillingswerk), Solingen
Paul A Henckels, Solingen
Henkel & Muller AG (Macero), Solingen-Ohligs
Herbeck & Meyer, Solingen-Hohscheid
Herbertz & Meurer, Solingen-Grafrath
Herder & Engels, Solingen-Ohligs
Herder & Sohn (Diogenes), Solingen-Ohligs
Friedrich Herder Abr Sohn (Constantwerk)
H Herder, Solingen-Ohligs
Richard Herder Abr, Solingen
F W Holler, Solingen
F W Holler – early production (19 ticks), Solingen
F W Holler – mid production (17 ticks), Solingen
F W Holler – late production (11 ticks), Solingen
Curt Hoppe, Solingen
Gottfr Hoppe Sohne, Solingen
Wilhelm Hoppe, Solingen
E & F Horster & Co Gmbh, Solingen
E & F Horster & Co Gmbh (Horstator), Solingen
E & F Horster & Co Gmbh (Horstator), Solingen
J
JMB – see Josef Munch
Johanniswerk – see Johann Leupold
Justinuswerk – see Justus Brenger & Co
Jacobs & Co, Solingen-Grafrath
C Rudolf Jacobs, Solingen-Grafrath
F Wilhelm Jordan, Solingen-Wald
K
Kolumbuswerk – see Eduard Becker
KWICK – see Carl Zander
Carl Kaiser & Co, Solingen
Emil Kaiser & Co, Solingen
Max Kaiser (Waffenhammer), Deggendorf
Karl Robert Kaldenbach, Solingen-Grafrath
Heinrich Kaufmann & Sohne KG (Indiawerk), Solingen
C F Kayser (Kormoran), Solingen
Ernst Kemper, Solingen
Georg Kerschbaumer, Steinbach
F A Kirschbaum & Co, Solingen
Robert Klaas, Solingen-Ohligs
Klittermann & Moog GmbH, Solingen-Haan
Carl Kloos, Solingen-Landwehr
August Knecht, Solingen
Ernst Knecht & Co, Solingen-Wustenhof
Wilhelm Kober & Co, Suhl
Koch & Rau, Stuttgart
Paul Kohl (Fischerwerk), Solingen-Foche
Friedrich von der Kohlen, Solingen-Grafrath
Friedrich von der Kohlen, Solingen-Grafrath
Gustav L Koller Nache, Solingen-Wald
Hugo Koller, Solingen
Hans Kolping (Alpinawerk), Solingen-Wald
Hermann Konejung AG, Solingen
Carl Julius Krebs (Kronenkrebs), Solingen
Pet Dan Krebs, Solingen
Wilhelm Kreiger, Solingen-Merscheid
Heinrich Krieghoff
Heinrich Krom (HCH), Muchen
Gebr Krumm, Solingen
Arter Krupp AG, Berndorf
Gebr Krusius AG, Solingen-Wald
Carl Fr Kuhrt KG, Zella Mehlis
August Kullenberg, Solingen-Grafrath
Kupper & Oertling (Neptun), Solingen
Kupper & Sohnius (Fleischerwerk), Solingen-Remscheid
L
Louper – see Louis Perlmann
Lux – see Carl Tillmann Sohne KG
Lauterjung & Co (Tiger), Solingen
Lauterjung & Co (Tiger), Solingen
Lauterjung & Co (PUMA)
H & F Lauterjung, Solingen-Widdert
Johann Leupold, Bayreuth
Johann Leupold (Johnnswerk), Bayreuth
Johann Leupold (Leuco), Bayreuth
Johann Leupold (Leuco), Bayreuth
Johann Leupold (Leuco), Bayreuth
Carl Linder, Solingen-Merscheid
Carl & Robert Linder, Solingen-Weyer
Hermann Linder & Sohne (Senta), Solingen
Hugo Linder & C W Sohn (Linor), Solingen
Hugo Linder (Deltawerk), Solingen
Otto Linder, Solingen-Merscheid
P D Luneschloss, Solingen
Peter Lungstrass, Solingen-Ohligs
Peter Lungstrass, Solingen-Ohligs
Carl Lutters & Cie (Lowenwerk), Solingen
E Luttges & Co, Solingen
Gebr. Lutzenkirchen, Solingen

M
Macero – see Henkel & Muller AG
MANN – see Ernst Bruckmann
Malsch & Ambronn, Stainbech
August Malsch Fr Sohn, Steinbach
David Malsch, Steinbach
Karl Malsch Gust Sohn, Steinbach
Karl Malsch-Spitzer, Steinbach
Ernst Mandlewirth, Solingen
Max May & vom Hau, Solingen-Ohligs
Albert Mebus, Solingen-Ohligs
Carl Aug Meis GmbH (Cam), Solingen-Merscheid
Kuno Meisenburg (Undine), Solingen
Artur Melcher, Solingen-Merscheid
Melzer & Feller, Zella Mehlis
August Merten Wwe, Solingen-Grafrath
August Muller KG (Bismarck), Solingen-Merscheid
Muller & Smschmidt (Pfeilringwerk), Solingen
Gottfried Muller, Herges
Robert Muller, Solingen-Merscheid
Robert Muller & Sohn (Romuso), Solingen-Merscheid
Josef Munch (JMB), Brotterode
N
Neptun – see Kupper & Oertling
C Gustav Neeff, Solingen
Neidhardt & Schmidt, Brotterode
Ferd Neuhaus, Solingen
OOtter, Otterwerk – see Gebruder Berns
F Ed Ohliger, Solingen
Julius Ohliger, Solingen
Karl Oschmann & Co., Brotterode
E H Otto GmbH (Curdts Nachf), Solingen
E H Otto GmbH (Curdts Nachf), Solingen
E H Otto GmbH (Curdts Nachf), Solingen
Ottersbach & Co., Solingen
P
PAWECO – see Paul Weyersberg & Co Perfectum – see E Spitzer
Pfeilringwerk – see Muller & Smschmidt
Puma, Pumawerk – see Lauterjung & Sohn
Ernst Pack & Sohne GmbH, Solingen
Anw Pauseback, Solingen
Daniel Peres Co GmbH, Solingen
Louis Perlmann (Louper), Solingen
Franz Pils & Sohne, Steinbach
Franz Pils & Sohne, Steyr
Julius Pils, Nixdorf
Friedrich Plucker Jr, Solingen-Grafrath
Richard Plumacher Sohn, Solingen
Richard Plumacher Sohn, Solingen
Pumeto, Solingen
R
ROMUSO – see Robert Muller & Sohn
Hugo Rader, Solingen
Ernst Hugo Rasspe, Solingen
Ehrhardt Reich, Schweina
Cuno Remscheid & Co (Remeve), Solingen-Aufderhohe
Josef Reuleaux, Solingen-Wald
Kuno Ritter, Solingen-Grafrath
Ernst Romer, Solingen
August Rother, Solingen
Albert Rottgen, Solingen
Ernst Rottgen, Solingen
Franz Rupprecht, Duren
S
J P Sauer & Sohn, Suhl
Carl D Schaaff, Solingen
Eugen Scheidt, Solingen-Ohligs
Carl A Schlieper, Solingen-Remscheid
Josef Schlimbach, Solingen
J A Schmidt & Sohne, Solingen
Rudolf Schmidt, Solingen
Friedrich Aug Schmitz, Solingen
Gustav Schneider Nachf, Solingen
Hermann Schneider, Solingen-Aufderhohe
Hermann Schneider, Solingen-Aufderhohe
Abr Schnittert (Wasso), Solingen-Wald
Emil Schrick & Sohn, Solingen
Arthur Schuttelhofer & Co (Asso), Solingen-Wald
Paul Seilheimer, Solingen
Hugo Servatius, Solingen
Otto Simon, Steinbach
Solinger Axt und Hauerfabrik GmbH, Solingen-Ohligs
Solinger Axt und Hauerfabrik GmbH, Solingen-Ohligs (Small)
Solinger Axt und Hauerfabrik GmbH, Solingen-Ohligs
Spalteneder, Muchen
C Gustav Spitzer KG, Soligen
Karl Spitzer, Steinbach
Franz Steinhoff, Solingen-Wald
Stocker & Co (SMF), Solingen
Otto Stover, Solingen
Suddeutsche Messerfabrik GmbH, Gefrees
Tiger – see Lauterjung & Co
Karl Tiegel (Tiegelwerk), Riemberg, Schlesien
Carl Tillmann Sohne KG, Solingen-Remscheid
Gebr Torley, Solingen-Wald
V
Undine – see Kuno Meisenburg
Eduard Vitting, Solingen

Aldolf Volker, Schmalkalden

Aldolf Volker, Schmalkalden
Aldolf Volker, Schmalkalden
Emil Voos, Solingen
Gustav Voss, Solingen
W
Waffenhammer – see Max Kaiser
Wagner & Lange, Solingen
Wilhelm Wagner, Solingen-Merscheid
Fritz Weber, Wien
Franz Weinrank, Wien
Wilhelm Weltersbach, Solingen
A Werth, Solingen
Wester & Butz, Solingen-Merscheid
Gebr Wester (Fridericus), Solingen
Gebr Weyersberg GmbH, Solingen-Ohligs
Gebr Weyersberg GmbH, Solingen-Ohligs
Gottfried Weyersberg Sohne KG, Solingen
Gottfried Weyersberg Sohne KG (Baron), Solingen
Gottfried Weyersberg Sohne KG (Baron), Solingen
Gustav Weyersberg Nachf, Solingen
Gustav Weyersberg Nachf, Solingen
Max Weyersberg WMW, Solingen
Max Weyersberg WMW, Solingen
Max Weyersberg WMW, Solingen
Max Weyersberg WMW, Solingen
Paul Weyersberg & Co, Solingen

Paul Weyersberg & Co, Solingen
Paul Weyersberg & Co (PAWECO), Solingen
Reinhard Weyersberg, Solingen
Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie AG (WKC), Solingen
Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie AG (WKC), Solingen
Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie AG (WKC), Solingen
Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie AG (WKC), Solingen
Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie AG (WKC), Solingen
Thomas Wielputz GmbH, Solingen-Hohscheid
Anton Wingen Jr, Solingen
Anton Wingen Jr, Solingen
Arthur Wingen (Chromolit), Solingen
Arthur Wingen (Chromolit), Solingen
Arthur Wingen (Chromolit), Solingen
Gustav Wirth, Solingen-Grafrath
Ernst Erich Witte, Solingen
Ernst Erich Witte, Solingen

Josef Wolf, Munchen-Au
Wolfertz Is, Solingen-Grafrath
Rudolf Wurzer, St. Christofen
Carl Wusthof AG (Gladiatorwerk), Solingen
Carl Wusthof AG (Gladiatorwerk), Solingen
Ed Wustoff, Solingen
Z

Zwillingswerk – see J A Henckels KG
Ludwig Zeitler, Wien

At German Dagger Buyers.com

 We Are Engaged In The Acquisition Of  Museum Worthy Exhibits.

We Currently  Supply Museums , Academic Collectors , And Ethical Investment Groups.

By Dealing With Dedicated Professionals Your Items Are Destined To Form Part Of Balanced Educational Displays.

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The Study Of History From All Periods Is Enhanced By The Existence Of Artifacts.

Genuine Third Reich Artifacts Are Evidence Of The Darkest of  Era’s, One Which Must Never Be Allowed To Return, Education Is ,We believe  Key To This Process.

The Responsible Collectors

Of The 21st Century Are Custodians Of Artifacts Which In Time Will Form Part Of  Public Museums Of The Future.

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Here at German Dagger Sellers  we are dedicated
professional  Militaria  Museum Buyers .

professional  Militaria  Museum Buyers

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If you are looking to sell German military antiques?
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German military antiques

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and their families obtain the correct

valuations and a fair market price for their
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to include: German Daggers,

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Uniforms and Badges!
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           Reichswehr –
The Armed Forces 1918-1935
The inter-war years preceding the rise of the
Wehrmacht was a troubled one for Germany
as there were few funds to support a large
national military force.  Read about World War I
model Swords and how they were
used during these difficult times.
 

Heer –
The German Army 1935-1945 
As the largest fighting branch of the Wehrmacht,
the German Army (Heer) Had more swords
than any other arm-of-service. 
Read about the various makerrs and models
that were used and how war brought
about a change in materials employed in construction.
 

Heer

Kriegsmarine –
The German Navy 1935-1945
Although small compared to Allied navies,
the Kriegsmarine operated not only on
the sea but also on the land.  Read about
the patterns of dagger that were used by naval
           Officers from coastal artillery units to those
who served onboard Germany’s famous ships.

Kriegsmarine

Luftwaffe –
The German Air Force 1935-1945 
Under the leadership of Hermann Göring,
a fledgling German Air Force rose from a
convoluted group of political and aviation
organizations to eventually command the skies over Europe. 
Read about the Sword and Dagger Patterns that were worn by
Luftwaffe personnel both on the ground and in the air.

Luftwaffe

Schutzstaffeln –
Units of the SS 1934-1945
The fighting arm of Hitler’s SS rose to
power from a group of highly trained body guards
serving the Führer.  Read about the Daggers
worn by the early Allegemeine-SS and the elite Waffen-SS. 

Schutzstaffeln

Deutsche Polizei –
Police Units 1933-1945
On the home front and in the battle zones,
German police units wore a wide Stag Gripped Bayonets
  Read about the Officer And NCO swords they used in locations
such as cities, rural areas, and the Russian Front.

Deutsche Polizei

Freiwillige –
Foreign Volunteers 1939-1945
More than 2 Million foreign nationals volunteered
for service with the Wehrmacht and the
Waffen-SS during World War II.
  Read about the Weapons they wore
and the insignia they used to denote
their unique status among combat troops.
 

Freiwillige

Politische Gruppen –
Political Groups
Examine the history behind the arms
worn by non-military organizations such as the SA and DAF
that maintained special protection units that
closely paralleled those of the German Police.
 

Politische Gruppen

 
 
Wehrmachtsgefolge –
Auxiliary Organizations
Many organizations that supported the Wehrmacht
also wore protective helmets. 
Examine the various dagger
used by the NSKK, Org.Todt, RAD, RLB, and many others. 

Wehrmachtsgefolge

         
   
           
            About Our Website Site
German Swords Wanted,com is a non-political website
dedicated to the study of steel edged Weapons carried
by military and civilian organizations of
World War II Germany. 
Pages of web text and high quality photos are
ready for you to read and view.

           
           This website seeks to serve a wide spectrum of interests
including those of military historians,
Sword and collectors, scale modelers, World War II enthusiasts,
and Living History re-enactors. 
Since Our inception, German Swords Wanted
Has been a comprehensive web-based
reference guide on the subject of
World War II German Swords And Daggers.
Our offers provide provide sellers with
fare percentage of our re sale price
Free of charge research  provided is factual information
for the collector  continues to grow as
information is researched and gathered from
a number of both new and established sources.
We hope to build on our progress as we expand
the content and detail of this website
for all who might benefit from it. 
We hope you find the site easy to use and helpful! 
If you have questions please contact us,
           

At German Dagger Buyers.com

 We Are Engaged In The Acquisition Of  Museum Worthy Exhibits.

We Currently  Supply Museums , Academic Collectors , And Ethical Investment Groups.

By Dealing With Dedicated Professionals Your Items Are Destined To Form Part Of Balanced Educational Displays.

We Distance Ourselves Unreservedly From The Unregulated Online Trade

In Nazi Memorabilia.

By Dealing With German Dagger Buyers.com You Can Rest Assured That

Whilst Our Business Is Commercial 

Our Interest Is Solely In Preserving History.

 We Believe

That  People From All  Cultures,  Religions And Orientations Should Practise Tolerance Towards One Another . Humanity Must Learn To Coexist .

The Study Of History From All Periods Is Enhanced By The Existence Of Artifacts.

Genuine Third Reich Artifacts Are Evidence Of The Darkest of  Era’s, One Which Must Never Be Allowed To Return, Education Is ,We believe  Key To This Process.

The Responsible Collectors

Of The 21st Century Are Custodians Of Artifacts Which In Time Will Form Part Of  Public Museums Of The Future.

————- 

Examples of Nazi memorabilia including Uniform Insignia ,

Flags, Badges, items with Nazi emblems such as SS Daggers Nazi-era and other Nazi Medals

Legal restrictions

The sale of memorabilia was prohibited in some countries in Europe In the year 2000.

In France the Internet portal site Yahoo! was sued by the Union of Jewish Students and the International League against Racism and Anti-Semitism  for “justifying war crimes and crimes against humanity”

by allowing such memorabilia to be sold via its auction pages.

Yahoo!’s response was to ban the sale of Nazi memorabilia through its website.

In 2003, a court in Paris cleared Yahoo!.

 Ebay has guidelines regarding Nazi memorabilia; certain items are allowed, certain items are restricted and certain items are prohibited. Ebay followed the policies of Yahoo fearing equal litigation and has since banned the Nazi swastika on anything sold on their auction website save for coins, stamps, or printed period literature such as magazines, books, or pamphlets.

The effects of such policies is for the greater good , however  artefacts from the period retain their fascination .

The market in what devotees describe as “Historic Artifacts  has not gone underground,

it has simply moved beyond the random gaze of internet searchers. For the Innocent vendor such as the  Widow or family of  or a serviceman who’s  husbands or father proudly returned from the front with a pocket full of German Badges the option of selling at the correct market value still exists.

With the opportunities provided by a google image search it is possible to identify what one has .  Having established the description of an item by comparing captioned pictures next comes estimating the price. This is easy, as a genuine museum buyer or Militaria dealer should always offer you 70% of the selling price .

The dealer selling price is likely to be calculated as the list price less 10% .

In Short if you see an item identical to that which you wish to sell listed at $2000 the dealer might settle for $1800 you therefore should settle for an offer of no less than $1200

The Englishman who owns the $200,000,000
collection of Nazi Artifacts .

Nazi Artifacts

to gain some understanding of the complexities of this most contentious area I recommend the following article.

As the crimes of the Nazi regime retreat
further into the past, there seems to be
an increasing desperation in the race to get
hold of mementos of the darkest chapter
of the 20th century.

In the market for Nazi
memorabilia, two out of the three principal
ideologies of the era
— fascism and capitalism —
collide, with the mere financial
value of these objects used to
justify their acquisition, the spiralling
prices trapping collectors in a frantic race for the rare and the covetable

An Englishman
owns the largest collection of Third Reich Militaria

When he was 5 years old, He received an
unusual birthday present from his parents:
a bullet-Damaged Waffen  SS  helmet,
A lightning bolt transfer on It’s side.
It was a special request.

The next year, at a car auction in Monte Carlo,
he asked his multimillionaire father for
a Mercedes: the G4 that Hitler rode into
the Sudetenland in 1938.

Father refused to buy it and his son
cried all the way home.

At 15, he spent birthday money from
his grandmother on three WWII Jeeps
recovered from the Shetlands,
which he restored himself and sold
for a tidy profit.

He invested the
proceeds in four more vehicles,
together with his very first  tank.

The Englishman begged  his father
to buy him Hitler’s Mercedies  when
he was just six-years-old, and cried
when his father refused. He now owns it.

After leaving school at 16, he went
to work for an engineering firm, and
then for his father’s construction company.

He spent his spare time touring
wind-blasted battle sites in Europe
and North Africa, searching for tank parts
and recovering military vehicles that
he would ship home to restore.

The ruling passion of his life,
though, is what he calls the
— widely regarded as the world’s
largest accumulation of German military
vehicles and Nazi memorabilia.

A signed copy of Mein Kampf goes for around
$31,000

The collection has largely been
kept in private,
under heavy guard, in a warren of
industrial buildings. There is no
official record of the value of His
collection, but some estimates place
it at over $160 million.
Since that initial SS helmet,
His life has been shaped by his
obsession for German military memorabilia.
He has travelled the world tracking down
items to add to his collection,
flying into remote airfields, following
up unlikely leads, throwing himself into
hair-raising adventures in the pursuit
of historic objects.

He readily admits that his urge to accumulate
has been monomaniacal,
Often elbowing out a regular social and family life.
The French theorist Jean Baudrillard once
noted that collecting mania is found
most often in “pre-pubescent boys and
males over the age of 40”; the things we hoard,
he wrote, tend to reveal deeper truths.

Despite the trade of Nazi antiquities being
banned or strictly regulated in many countries,
the market’s annual global turnover is
expected to be in excess of $47 million.
A signed copy of Mein Kampf goes for around
$31,000.
His Father  came back with a wife, who he had
first seen from the turret of a tank as he pulled
into her village in  Germany.
Father made hundreds of millions in the post-war
building boom, then spent the rest of his
life indulging his zeal for motor cars.
Our Englishman speaks of his late father as
“not just my dad, but also my best friend Despite
being one of seven children,he was the sole
beneficiary of his father’s will. He no longer
speaks to his siblings.

It is hard to say how much the echoes of
atrocity that resonate from Nazi Artifacts
compel the enthusiasts who haggle for and
hawk them.

The trade in Third Reich antiquities
is either banned or strictly regulated in Germany,
France, Austria, Israel and Hungary.

Still, the business flourishes, with burgeoning
online sales and increasing interest from
buyers in Russia, America and the Middle East;
The Englishmans biggest rival is a mysterious,
unnamed Russian buyer.

A Holocaust denier runs one of the
most-visited Nazi antiquities websites,
and is currently verifying charred bones
said to be those of Hitler and Eva Braun
Naturally, exact figures are hard to come by,
but the market’s annual global turnover is
estimated to be in excess of $47 million.
One of the most-visited websites is run
by Holocaust denier David Irving,
who in 2009 sold Hitler’s walking stick
(which had previously belonged to Friedrich
Nietzsche) for $5,750. Irving has offered strands
of Hitler’s hair for $200,000, and says he is
currently verifying the authenticity
of charred bones said to be those of
Hitler and Eva Braun.

There is also a roaring trade in the
automobiles of the Third Reich — in 2009,
one of Hitler’s Mercedes sold for almost
$7.8 million. A signed copy of Mein Kampf
will set you back $31,000, while in 2011 an
unnamed investor purchased Joseph Mengele’s
South American journals for $473,000.

As the crimes of the Nazi regime
retreat further into the past, there
seems to be an increasing desperation
in the race to get hold of mementos of the
darkest chapter of the 20th century.
In the market for Nazi memorabilia, two out
of the three principal ideologies of the era
— fascism and capitalism — collide,
with the mere financial value of these
objects used to justify their acquisition,
the spiralling prices trapping collectors
in a frantic race for the rare and the covetable.

In Walden, Henry David Thoreau observed
that “the things we own can own us too”;
this is the sense I  — that he started off
building a collection, but that very quickly
the collection began building him.
‘I was in the area’
Inside one of the countless rooms where
Our gentleman keeps his artifacts.
He speaks  of wanting people to see
his collection, “I’m only one man and
there’s just so much of it.
When I went to Leicestershire near the
end of last year to see the collection,
a visibly tired our man met me off the train.
“I want people to see this stuff,” he told me.
“There’s no better way to understand history.
But I’m only one man and there’s just so much of it.”
He had been trying to set his collection in order,
cataloging late into the night, and making
frequent trips to Cornwall, where, at
huge expense, he was restoring the only
remaining Kriegsmarine S-Boat in existence.
Wheatcroft had recently purchased two
more barns and a dozen shipping
containers to house his collection.
The complex of industrial buildings,
stretching across several flat Leicestershire acres,
seemed like a manifestation of his obsession — just as haphazard, as cluttered and as dark.
As we made our way into the first of his warehouses,
He stood back for a moment, as if shocked by
the scale of what he had accumulated.
Many of the tanks before us were little more
than rusting husks, ravaged by the years
they had spent abandoned in the deserts
of North Africa or on the Russian steppes.
They jostled each other in the warehouses,
spewing out to sit in glum convoys around
the complex’s courtyard.
“I want people to see this stuff.
There’s no better way to understand history.”
“Every object in the collection has a story,”
He told me as we made our way under
the turrets of tanks, stepping over
V2 rockets and U-boat torpedoes.
“The story of the war, then subsequent wars,
and finally the story of the recovery and
restoration. All that history is there in
the machine today.”
We stood beside the muscular bulk of a
Panzer IV tank, patched with rust and
freckled with bullet holes, its tracks
trailing barbed wire.
Wheatcroft scratched at the palimpsest
of paintwork to reveal layers of color
beneath: its current livery, the duck-egg
blue of the Christian Phalangists from
the Lebanese civil war, flaking away to the
green of the Czech army who used the
vehicles in the 1960s and 70s, and
finally the original German taupe.
The tank was abandoned in the
Sinai desert until The Enthusiast arrived
on one of his regular shopping trips
to the region and shipped it
home to Leicestershire.
This Englishman owns

a fleet of 88 tanks
— more than the Danish and Belgian
armies combined. The majority of
the tanks are German, and Wheatcroft
recently acted as an adviser to David Ayer,
the director of “Fury” (in which Brad Pitt
played the commander of a German-based
US Sherman tank in the final days of the war)
. “They still got a lot of things wrong,”
he told me. “I was sitting in the cinema
with my daughter saying, ‘That wouldn’t
have happened’ and ‘That isn’t right.’
Good film, though.”
Modal Trigger
A Panzer (or Panzerkampfwagen) III,
used by the German forces during World War II.
Our Collector owns a Panzer IV tank,
as well as a fleet of 88 other tanks.
Around the tanks sat a number of
strange hybrid vehicles with caterpillar
tracks at the back, truck wheels
at the front.The enthusiast explained
to me that these were half-tracks,
deliberately designed by the Nazis
so as not to flout the terms of the
Treaty of Versailles, which stipulated
that the Germans could not build tanks.
He owns more of these than anyone
else in the world, as well as having
the largest collection of Kettenkrads,
which are half-motorbike, half-tank,
and were built to be dropped out of gliders.
A Kettenkrad, an army motorcycle that
the Germans built during World War II
after the terms in the Treaty of Versailles
stipulated the Germans could not build tanks.
He owns more of these half-motorbike,
half-tank vehicles, than anyone in the world.Photo: AP
“They just look very cool,”
he said with a grin.
Alongside the machines’ stories of
wartime escapades and the sometimes
dangerous lengths that He had gone
to in order to secure them were the
dazzling facts of their value. “The Panzer
IV cost me $25,000. I’ve been offered two
and a half million for it now. It’s the
same with the half-tracks.
They regularly go for over a million each.
Even the Kettenkrads, which I’ve picked
up for as little as $1,500, go for $235,000.”
I tried to work out the total value of the
machines around me, and gave up
somewhere north of $78 million.
He had made himself a fortune,
almost without realizing it.
“Everyone just assumes that I’ve inherited
a race track and I’m a spoilt rich kid who
wants to indulge in these toys,” he told me,
a defensive edge to his voice.
“It’s not like that at all. My dad supported me,
but only when I could prove that
the collection would work financially.
And as a collector, you never have
any spare money lying around.
Everything is tied up in the collection.”
Leaning against the wall of one of
the warehouses, I spotted a dark wooden door,
heavy iron bolts on one side and a
Judas window in the centre.
The collector saw me looking at it.
“That’s the door to Hitler’s cell in Landsberg.
Where he wrote ‘Mein Kampf.’ I was in the area.”
A lot of Wheatcroft’s stories start like
this — he seems to have a genius
for proximity. “I found out that the
prison was being pulled down.
I drove there, parked up and watched
the demolition. At lunch I followed
the builders to the pub and bought
them a round. I did it three days in a
row and by the end of it, I drove off
with the door, some bricks and
the iron bars from his cell.”
It was the first time he had mentioned
Hitler by name. We paused for a moment
by the dark door with its black bars,
then moved on.
Hermann Göring and Hitler in 1944.
Our Man owns a signed photograph
of the Nazi duo and says,
“I think I could give up everything else,
the cars, the tanks, the guns,
as long as I could still have Adolf
and Hermann.”Photo:
Sometimes the stories of search and
recovery were far more interesting
than the objects themselves.
Near the door sat a trio of rusty wine racks.
“They were Hitler’s,” he said,
laying a proprietary hand upon
the nearest one.
“We pulled them out of the ruins
of the Berghof [Hitler’s home in
Berchtesgaden] in May 1989.
The whole place was dynamited in ’52,
but my friend Adrian and I climbed
through the ruins of the garage and
down through air vents to get in.
You can still walk through all
of the underground levels.
We made our way by torchlight
through laundry rooms,
central heating service areas.
Then a bowling alley with big
signs for Coke all over it.
Hitler loved to drink Coke.
We brought back these wine racks.”
The cell in Landsberg prison
where Hitler was incarcerated in 1923.
When Our Student Of engineering  heard the prison was
being pulled down, he drove to watch
the demolition and collected the door,
bricks and the iron bars from Hitler’s cell
.Photo: Getty Images
Later, among engine parts and ironwork,
I came across a massive bust of Hitler,
sitting on the floor next to a condom
vending machine (“I collect pub memorabilia, too,”
He explained). “I have the largest
collection of Hitler heads in the world,”
he said, a refrain that returned again and again.
“This one came from a ruined castle in Austria.
I bought it from the town council.”
“Things have the longest memories of all,”
says the introduction to a recent essay
by Teju Cole, “beneath their stillness,
they are alive with the terrors they have
witnessed.” This is what you feel in
the presence of the Collection —
a sense of great proximity to history,
to horror, an uncanny feeling that
the objects know more than they are letting on.
Wheatcroft’s home sits behind high
walls and heavy gates. There is a pond,
its surface stirred by the fingers
of a willow tree. A spiky black mine bobs
along one edge. The house is huge
and modern and somehow without logic,
as if wings and extensions have been
appended to the main structure willy-nilly.
When I visited, it was late afternoon,
a winter moon climbing the sky.
Behind the house, apple trees hung
heavy with fruit. A Krupp submarine
cannon stood sentry outside
the back door.
One of the outer walls was set with
wide maroon half-moons of iron work,
inlaid with obscure runic symbols.
“They were from the top of the officers’
gates to Buchenwald, The Collector Continued told
in an offhand manner. “I’ve got replica
gates to Auschwitz — Arbeit Macht Frei
— over there.” He gestured into the gloaming.
I had first heard about Our Collector
from my aunt Gay, who, as a rather
half-hearted expat estate agent,
sold him a rambling chateau near Limoges.
They subsequently enjoyed (or endured)
a brief, doomed love affair.
Despite the inevitable break-up,
my father kept in touch and, several years ago
, was invited to his home. After a drink
in the pub-cum-officers’ mess that
Wheatcroft has built adjacent to his
dining room, my dad was shown
to the guest apartment.
“It was remarkable,” he said, mostly
for the furniture. “That night, my
dad slept in Hermann Göring’s
favorite bed, from Carinhall hunting
lodge, made of walnut wood and
carved with a constellation of
swastikas. There were glassy
eyed deer heads and tusky boars
on the walls, wolf-skin rugs on
the floor. My father was a little spooked,
but mostly intrigued. In an email
soon after, he described the collector
to me as “absurdly decent, almost
unnaturally friendly.”
Darkness had fallen as we stepped
into the immense, two-story barn
conversion behind his home. It was
the largest of the network of buildings
surrounding the house, and wore a fresh
coat of paint and shiny new locks on the doors.
As we walked inside, The Englishman
turned to me with a thin smile,
and I could tell that he was excited.
“I have to have strict rules in my life,”
he said, “I don’t show many people the collection,
because not many people can understand the
motives behind it, people don’t
understand my values.”

The walls where our chap houses
his collection are covered with signs,
iron swastikas, Hitler’s sketches,
and posters that read
“Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Führer.”

He kept making these tentative
passes at the stigma attached to
his obsession, as if at once baffled by
those who might find his collection
distasteful, and desperately
keen to defend himself, and it.
The lower level of the building
contained a now-familiar range
of tanks and cars, including the
Mercedes G4 our collector saw as
a child in Monaco. “I cried and
cried because my dad wouldn’t buy
me this car. Now, almost 50 years later,
I’ve finally got it.”
On the walls huge iron swastikas hung,
street-signs for Adolf Hitler Strasse
and Adolf Hitler Platz, posters of Hitler
with “Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Führer”
written beneath.
“That’s from Wagner’s family home,”
he told me, pointing to a massive
iron eagle spreading its wings
over a swastika. It was studded
with bullet holes. “I was in a scrap yard
in Germany when a feller came
in who’d been clearing out the
Wagner estate and had come upon
this. Bought it straight from him.”
We climbed a narrow flight of stairs
to an airy upper level, and I felt that
I had moved deeper into the labyrinth
of Wheatcroft’s obsession.
In the long, gabled hall were dozens
of mannequins, all in Nazi uniform.
Some were dressed as Hitler Youth,
some as SS officers, others as
Wehrmacht soldiers.
It was bubble still, the mannequins
perched as if frozen in flight, a sleeping
Nazi Caerleon. One wall was taken up
with machine guns, rifles and rocket
launchers in serried rows.
The walls were plastered with
sketches by Hitler, Albert Speer
and some rather good nudes
by Göring’s chauffeur.
On cluttered display tables sat a
scale model of Hitler’s mountain
eyrie the Kehlsteinhaus, a twisted
machine gun from Hess’s crashed plane,
the commandant’s phone from
Buchenwald, hundreds of helmets,
mortars and shells, wirelesses,
Enigma machines, and searchlights,
all jostling for attention. Rail after
rail of uniforms marched into the distance.
“I brought David Ayer in here when
he was researching Fury,” He told me.
“He offered to buy the whole lot there and then.
When I said no he offered me
30 grand for this.” He showed me
a fairly ordinary-looking camouflage tunic.
“He knows his stuff.”
“I try not to answer when
people accuse me of being a Nazi,
I tend to turn my back and leave
them looking silly. I think Hitler and
Göring were such fascinating
characters in so many ways.
Hitler’s eye for quality was just extraordinary.”
We were standing in front of
signed photographs of Hitler and Göring.
“I think I could give up everything else,
” he said, “the cars, the tanks, the guns,
as long as I could still have Adolf
and Hermann. They’re my real love.”
I asked Our Engineer whether he was
worried about what people might read
into his fascination with Nazism.
Other notable collectors, I pointed out,
were the bankrupt and discredited
David Irving and Lemmy from Motörhead.
“I try not to answer when people
accuse me of being a Nazi,”
he said. “I tend to turn my back
and leave them looking silly.
I think Hitler and Göring were such
fascinating characters in so many ways.
Hitler’s eye for quality was just extraordinary.”
He swept his arm across the army
of motionless Nazis surrounding us,
taking in the uniforms and the bayonets,
the dimly glimmering guns and medals.
“More than that, though,” he continued,
“I want to preserve things. I want to
show the next generation how it actually was.
And this collection is a memento for those
who didn’t come back. It’s the sense
of history you get from these objects,
the conversations that went on around them,
the way they give you a link to the past.
It’s a very special feeling.”
The greatest find

A billboard posted at the entrance
of the Belsen concentration camp
after its liberation in April, 1945.
Our collector once purchased a
backpack and discovered an undeveloped
roll of film in it, which had five
unpublished photos of Bergen-Belsen on it.
We walked around the rest of the exhibition,
stopping for a moment by a
nondescript green backpack.
“There’s a story behind this,”
he said. “I found a roll of undeveloped film in it.
I’d only bought the backpack to
hang on a mannequin, but inside was
this film. I had it developed and
there were five unpublished
pictures of Bergen-Belsen on it.
It must have been very soon
after the liberation, because there
were bulldozers moving piles of bodies.”
The most treasured pieces of
Our Mans collection are kept in his
house, a maze-like place,
low-ceilinged and full of staircases,
corridors that turn back on themselves,
hidden doorways and secret rooms.
As soon as we entered through the back door,
he began to apologize for the state of the place.
“I’ve been trying to get it all in order,
but there just aren’t the hours in the day.”
In the drawing room there was a handsome
walnut case in which sat Eva Braun’s
gramophone and record collection.
We walked through to the snooker room,
which housed a selection of Hitler’s furniture,
as well as two motorbikes.
The room was so cluttered
that we could not move further than the doorway.
Eva Braun and Hitler.
This  Gentleman owns Braun’s
gramophone and record collection.
“I picked up all of Hitler’s furniture
at a guesthouse in Linz,”
The Englishman told me. “The owner’s father’s
dying wish had been that a certain
room should be kept locked.
I knew Hitler had lived there and so
finally persuaded him to open it
and it was exactly as it had been when Hitler
slept in the room. On the desk there
was a blotter covered in Hitler’s
signatures in reverse, the drawers
were full of signed copies of Mein Kampf.
I bought it all. I sleep in the bed,
although I’ve changed the mattress.”
A shy, conspiratorial smile.
We made our way through to the
galleried dining room, where
a wax figure of Hitler stood on the balcony,
surveying us coldly. There was a
rustic, beer-hall feel to the place.
On the table sat flugelhorns and euphoniums,
trumpets and drums.
“I’ve got the largest collection
of Third Reich military instruments
in the world,” The collector told me.
Of course he did. There was
Mengele’s grandfather clock,
topped with a depressed-looking bear.
“I had trouble getting that out of
Argentina. I finally had it smuggled
out as tractor parts to the
Massey-Ferguson factory in Coventry.”
The Englishman briefly opened
a door to show the pub he had
built for himself. Even here
there was a Third Reich theme
— the cellar door was originally from the Berghof.
Wheatcroft also owns the largest
collection of Hitler heads in
the world.
The electricity was off in one wing
of the house, and we made
our way in dim light through a
conservatory where rows of Hitler
heads stared blindly across at
each other. Every wall bore a
portrait of the Führer, or of
Göring, until the two men felt
so present and ubiquitous
that they were almost alive.
In a well at the bottom of a
spiral staircase, The Collector paused
beneath a full-length portrait of Hitler.
“This was his favorite painting of himself,
the one used for stamps and official
reproductions.” The Führer looked
peacockish and preening,
a snooty tilt to his head.
We climbed the stairs to find more
pictures of Hitler on the walls,
swastikas and iron crosses,
a faintly Egyptian statuette given
by Hitler to Peron, an oil portrait
of Eva Braun signed by Hitler.
Paintings were stacked against walls,
bubble wrap was everywhere.
We picked our way between the
artefacts, stepping over statuary
and half-unpacked boxes.
I found myself imagining the
house in a decade’s time, when
no doors would open, no light
come in through the windows,
when the collection would have
swallowed every last corner,
and I could picture Wheatcroft, quite
happy, living in a caravan in the garden.
We passed along more shadowy
corridors, through a door hidden
in a bookshelf and up another
winding staircase, until we found
ourselves in an unexceptional bedroom,
a single unshaded light in the
ceiling illuminating piles of uniforms.
The collector reached into a closet
and pulled out Hitler’s white dress
suit with careful, supplicatory hands.

Hitler (center) in 1939. The Colletor  says
his greatest find was a locked
suitcase that held Hitler’s white dress suit.

“I was in Munich with a dealer,”
he said, showing me the tailor’s label,
which read Reichsführer Adolf Hitler
in looping cursive. “We had a call
to go and visit a lawyer, who had some connection to Eva Braun. In 1944, Eva Braun had deposited
a suitcase in a fireproof safe.
He quoted me a price, contents unseen.
The case was locked with no key.
We drove to Hamburg and had a
locksmith open it. Inside were
two full sets of Hitler’s suits, including
this one, two Sam Browne belts,
two pairs of his shoes,
two bundles of love letters written
by Hitler to Eva, two sketches of Eva naked,
sunbathing, two self-propelling pencils.
A pair of AH-monogrammed eyeglasses.
A pair of monogrammed champagne flutes.
A painting of a Vienna cityscape
by Hitler that he must have given to Eva.
I was in a dream world.
The greatest find of my collecting career.”
The collector drove me to the station
under a wide, star-filled night.
“When David Ayer offered to buy the collection,
I almost said yes,” he told me,
his eyes on the road. “Just so it wouldn’t
be my problem any more.
I tried to buy the house in which
Hitler was born in Braunau,
I thought I could move the collection there,
turn it into a museum of the Third Reich.
The Austrian government must have Googled my name.
They said no immediately.
They didn’t want it to become a shrine.
It’s so hard to know what to do with all the stuff.
I really do feel like I’m just a caretaker
until the next person comes along,
but I must display it, I must get it out into the public
— I understand that.”
We pulled into the station car park and,
with a wave, he drove off into the night.
On the way home I stared out of the train window, feeling the events of the day working themselves upon me. The strange thing was not the weirdness of it all, but the normality. I really don’t believe that Wheatcroft is anything other than what he seems — a fanatical collector. I had expected a closet Nazi, a wild-eyed goosestepper, and instead I had met a man wrestling with a hobby that had become an obsession and was now a millstone.
Collecting was like a disease for him, the prospect of completion tantalizingly near but always just out of reach. If he was mad, it wasn’t the madness of the fulminating antisemite, rather the mania of the collector.
Many would question whether artifacts such as those in this gentleman’s  Collection ought to be preserved at all, let alone exhibited in public. Should we really be queueing up to marvel at these emblems of what Primo Levi called the Nazis’ “histrionic arts”? It is, perhaps, the very darkness of these objects, their proximity to real evil, that attracts collectors (and that keeps novelists and filmmakers returning to the years 1939-45 for material).
In the conflicting narratives and counter-narratives of history, there is something satisfyingly simple about the evil of the Nazis, the schoolboy Manichaeism of the second world war. Later, This enthusiast  would tell me that his earliest memory was of lining up Dinky toy  tanks on his bedroom floor, watching the ranks of Shermans and Panzers and Crusaders facing off against each other, a childish battle of good and evil.
After I sent him a copy of Laurent Binet’s 2010 novel “HHhH,” a brilliant retelling of the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, one of the principal architects of the Holocaust, The Collector emailed me with news of an astonishing new find in the house of a retired diplomat. “I’d fully intended to ease up on the collecting,” he told me, “to concentrate on cataloguing, on getting the collection out there, but actually some of the things I’ve discovered since I saw you last, I’ve just had to buy. Big-value items, but you just have to forget about that because of the sheer rarity value. It’s compounded the problem really, because they were all massive things.”
His latest find, he said, was a collection of Nazi artefacts brought to his attention by someone he had met at an auction a few years back. The story is classic  — a mixture of luck and happenstance and chutzpah that appears to have turned up objects of genuine historical interest. “This chap told me that his best friend was a plumber and was working on a big house in Cornwall. The widow was trying to sort things out. The plumber had seen that in the garden there were all sorts of Nazi statues. He sent me a picture of one of the statues, which was a massive 5 ½ foot stone eagle that came from Berchtesgaden. I did a deal and bought it, and after that sale my contact was shown a whole range of other objects by the widow. It turned out that this house was a treasure trove. There’s an enormous amount I’m trying to get hold of now. I can’t say an awful lot, but it’s one of the most important finds of recent times.”
The owner of the house had just passed away; he was apparently a senior British diplomat who, in his regular trips to Germany in the lead-up to the war, amassed a sizable collection of Nazi memorabilia. He continued to collect after the war had finished, the most interesting items hidden in a safe room behind a secret panel.
“It’s stunning,” the Englishman told me, by telephone, his voice fizzing with excitement. “There’s a series of handwritten letters between Hitler and Churchill. They were writing to each other about the route the war was taking. Discussions of a non-aggression pact. This man had copied things and removed them on a day-to-day basis over the course of the war. A complete breach of the Official Secrets Act, but mindblowing.” The authenticity of the papers, of course, has not yet been confirmed — but if they are real, they could secure our man a place in the history books. “Although it’s never been about me,” he insisted.
It seems our meeting in the winter stirred something in this fellow , a realization that there were duties that came with owning the objects in his collection, obligations to the past and present that had become burdensome to him.
“It’s the objects,” he told me repeatedly, “the history.” It also seemed as if Wheatcroft’s halfhearted attempts to bring his collection to a wider public had been given a much-needed fillip.
“An awful lot has changed since I saw you,” he told me when we spoke in late spring. “It refocused me, talking to you about it. It made me think about how much time has gone by. I’ve spent, I suppose, 50 years as a collector just plodding along, and I’ve suddenly realized that there’s more time behind than ahead, and I need to do something about it. I’ve pressed several expensive buttons in order to get some of my more valuable pieces restored. Because you did just make me think what’s the point of owning these things if no one’s ever going to see them

At German Dagger Buyers.com

 We Are Engaged In The Acquisition Of  Museum Worthy Exhibits.

We Currently  Supply Museums , Academic Collectors , And Ethical Investment Groups.

By Dealing With Dedicated Professionals Your Items Are Destined To Form Part Of Balanced Educational Displays.

We Distance Ourselves Unreservedly From The Unregulated Online Trade

In Nazi Memorabilia.

By Dealing With German Dagger Buyers.com You Can Rest Assured That

Whilst Our Business Is Commercial 

Our Interest Is Solely In Preserving History.

 We Believe

That  People From All  Cultures,  Religions And Orientations Should Practise Tolerance Towards One Another . Humanity Must Learn To Coexist .

The Study Of History From All Periods Is Enhanced By The Existence Of Artifacts.

Genuine Third Reich Artifacts Are Evidence Of The Darkest of  Era’s, One Which Must Never Be Allowed To Return, Education Is ,We believe  Key To This Process.

The Responsible Collectors

Of The 21st Century Are Custodians Of Artifacts Which In Time Will Form Part Of  Public Museums Of The Future.

Wanted stamped “Robt Klaas Solingen” maker mark! Daggers for the German Airforce Luftwaffe decoration includes oak leaves and acorns. Aluminum eagle crossguards, steel gilt ferrule and swastika  pommel . Grips age to a nice yellow over time. these have wire wrapped grips in two separate strands.

Prices and trends within Militaria collecting from 2017

Why sell Militaria now?

I speak from the perspective of  someone who largely derives their living from trading in Militaria .

Currently the patriotic grandchildren of British WW2 service personnel are buying up everything from the period. The greatest prices being achieved for Normandy related items ,anything airborne followed closely by  a former favourite the royal air force.

Driving the British boom is a groundswell of historic re enactment groups .The committed re-enactor will be sporting replica kit on the field . He or she once acquainted with copy items will invariable start buying genuine examples to be hoarded at home .

British Militaria as the less glamourous option has not suffered at the hands of speculators in the way Third Reich Items have.

German Militaria is another matter, It has always been far more expensive, but prices may well be dropping in real terms.

  As we move further away from WW2 the conflict has less relevance to the new successions of  generations. In all area with the exception of the SS items prices have failed to increase much at all in the last few years . What factors which affect prices ? Demand is the obvious factor multiplied by availability .

When the arteries through which German Militaria travelled were a) markets and b)auction houses c) Shops prices could be artificially created and maintained by the trade.

The advent of collector’s on-line forums coupled with the proliferation of Militaria websites have dragged prices down. The spiral in prices is further encouraged by the unending choice of products afforded by the Net.

The Pound or dollar is spread more thinly now as devotees of any collecting genre are tempted away by a thousand and one other online opportunities to buy things they do not really need..

If what I have stated in the previous paragraph is accurate and other’s follow my lead in exposing the frail nature of this market then what will be the outcome?

Collectors (otherwise known as investors) are not going put their money into a market which is bottoming out . For every one dreamer with an unbreakable affinity with the Third Reich there are a thousand enthusiasts who have squirreled away items based on there once proven investment potential.

How The Militaria Market Works

Selling at Auction?
This is no longer a viable option for all but the deceased, infirm or those who are happy to see 45% of an item’s value lost in buyer and seller’s commission.

Selling to the trade.

Whether you are buying or selling militaria, you will find it advantageous when negotiating with dealers to understand how things work behind the scenes.

Schutzstaffeln

One observation of the militaria marketplace, is that there is a  gulf between what the consumer expects from a “Militaria dealer”, and what the average Militaria dealer believes he should provide for the consumer.

These differences boil down to trust. The consumers hope they can trust the Militaria dealer to give Them an honest appraisal and pay a fair price.

As a guide any dealer worthy of a mention will always pay a minimum of 60% of the list price. That is to say if you see an item identical to one you wish to sell in comparable condition on a website prices at $1000 then you can expect offers from the trade of $600.

Why the massive 40% margin?? Well this does not really equate to 40% . Around half the items offered at big ticket prices on websites are “traded” (sold at trade prices dealers who wish to always achieve asking prices for militaria go bankrupt !.

Other factors such as time spent on the shelf further eat into the margin given that dealers work on loaned money in many cases (Business overdrafts )

The novice  Militaria dealer feels it is right to pay the lowest price he can for his stock, to maximize his profit, and that it is up to the consumer to have done their homework.

Fortunately, by finding our website, you will be on a much better footing when negotiating with Militaria dealers.

Militaria dealer

Militaria Dealing – A Brief Overview

There are two main categories of Militaria dealers – the wholesaler and the retailer. The wholesaler aggressively seeks to bring new material into the marketplace,he may well scour car boot sales but finds richer pickings by staging buying events in venues such as village halls ,Cold calling “Knocking”or even running adds in hospital magazines!.

His market knowledge and persistence will reap reward when buying from the vulnerably older generation who are trusting and ignorant of prices. This grade of wholesaler will distance himself from his booty by selling it on to seemingly reputable retail-based dealers.

The retail Militaria dealer invariably gets some of their stock from such wholesalers. They will attend Auctions, Militaria shows and buy from contacts who visit their store or website, most of their business income is derived from servicing a niche clientèle of Investors and history enthusiasts .

A dealer of this type is more likely to pay you higher prices for your Militaria, since items don’t have to have to pass through several sets of hands before being sold, The position of their Store is a major factor for sellers to consider. A store situated next door to a tourist attraction will have thousands of visitors each year. These are the best dealers to approach they are hungry for stock will posses far greater knowledge and have a greater volume of customers to supply. larger dealers are more likely to belong to organizations that require them to subscribe to a Code of Ethics.

Theoretically Militaria has a “Trade Price” and an “Asking price”. The margin between the “Asking Price” and the “Trade Price” is variable but generally thinner on items that are in great demand.

Militaria Dealer’s Profit Margins
Effectively rare Military antiques in good condition are good news for dealers .They are in demand therefore they can be turned over quickly regardless of Profit Percentage If a Medal will sell for £2,000, a dealer can make a nice profit if he buys the Award for £1750, but he might have this Medal in his inventory (His investment in it tied up) for a long time before someone who can afford £2000 for this particular item comes along.

All told, the profit margins for antiques is primarily determined by these three factors:

A. How quickly the Artefact can be resold (market demand)

B. How high the Cash value is (capital outlay)

C. The trends in popularity (market dynamics)

Antique dealers have to strike a balance between the above factors to remain profitable.

Best Regards, David Mattey (BUYER)

Up For discussion Is This Direct Veteran Acquired SS Dagger By Ernst Pack & Son .

This SS Dagger was part of a grouping of items obtained from the family of a US  airborne glider  landings of 1944.  Produced  around 1938 this piece exhibits the RZM Code 1211/39 which is a contract marking for the concern of Ernst Pack & Son . These later production examples of the model 1933 enlisted man,s dagger lake the production quality of the early models .

Some of the differences between our rzm 1211/39  are noted below

This 1211/39 Dagger has

a) An aluminium eagle set into the grip. Early examples had nickel silver eagles.

b) The scabbard is black enamel painted which was factory applied. Early 1933 pattern SS daggers were black anodised hen  lacquered.

c) The cross guards and scabbard mounts are nickel plated as opposed to the early form which were solid nickel .

D) The the lower cross guard is plain whereas the early type bore the Roman numerals for 1-2-or 3.

The Saga of Murder, Inc.

A German Propaganda Victory
by Kenneth Daniel Williams – 351st Bomb Group

During World War II, I was a bombardier with the 8^th Air Force flying out of England.  I was shot down over Germany wearing a flight jacket with “Murder, Inc.” written on the back.  The Germans made much propaganda out of this. 

At the request of a group in Holland, the “Bulletin 1939-1945, Airwar Study Group Holland”, I am wring down here the events that took place in relation to “Murder, Inc.” 

Mehr sein als scheinen

Contrary to some of the German propaganda, I was not a Chicago gangster.  I was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.A. on May 16, 1922.  I attended local schools and went to Belmont Abbey College, an institution run by Benedictine Monks, many of whom came from Germany.

Freiwillige

On December 7, 1941, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and every young man that I knew was anxious to join the armed forces to defend his country. 

Nazi Artifacts

In June of 1942 I joined the United States Army Corps of Engineers and advanced to the rank of corporal.  In December I transferred to the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet program. 

Schutzstaffeln

Having been an enlisted man, I wanted a commission as soon as possible.  To become a navigator took twelve months, a pilot, nine months, and a bombardier, six months. I applied for bombardier school and received training in Midland, Texas.  After graduation I was assigned to Geiger Field, Spokane, Washington for phase training.  This is where our crew was formed and trained to operate the B-17 heavy bombardment aircraft. 

In October, 1943, we flew to England and were assigned to the 351^st Bomb Group, 508^th Squadron.  We were assigned the B-17 “Murder Inc.”  It was an old plane that had been on many missions and I have no idea who named it or why it was given this name. 

As it turned out, we never flew a mission in this plane.  It was the custom to have the name of your plane painted on the back of your flight jacket.  One of the enlisted men came by my room and asked if I would like to have the name of the plane painted on my jacket.  I told him “yes” and gave him the jacket.  He came back the next day with this jacket painted. 

As it turned out, I was the only member of the crew whose jacket was painted before we were shot down in, ironically, another plane. 

On November 16, 1943, we flew our first mission to Knaben, Norway, to bomb a heavy water plane, part of the German effort to develop the atomic bomb.  “Murder Inc.” was in the hanger for repairs and we flew in a new plane that I believe had not yet been named. 

This was about the time they quit painting B-17’s, and the one we flew that day was the original aluminium color. 

We had trouble transferring fuel from the bomb bay tank to the regular tank on that mission and thought we might have to land in Sweden.  The flight engineer finally corrected the problem and we flew back to England through the worst weather I have ever flown in.

 On November 26, 1943, we flew our second and last mission to Bremen, Germany. We arose about 4:00 A.M. and had eggs for breakfast.  Eggs were a treat reserved for mission days only.  From the mess hall we went to the briefing room to have the mission explained and to synchronize our watches.

 Next we went to the “dry room” where the parachutes and heated suits were kept.  I found that my parachute was being repacked and they gave me the parachute of a man over six feet tall.  I am 5 feet 8 inches. I did not adjust the harness but just put it on and let it hang loose.  The type parachute we used was developed by the British and was called a “clip-on chest pack.”  One wore the harness all the time in the air, but the actual parachute itself was folded up in the neat little package that could be clipped on the chest of the harness if ever needed. I always kept my parachute on the floor close to me in the nose compartment of the aircraft.

 We put on electrically heated suits for warmth at high altitudes.  There were heated shoes that plugged into the suit, but they were light and not made for walking.  I wore heavy walking shoes instead with heavy socks for warmth and for walking long distances in case I was shot down.

 We were each issued an escape kit that contained a photograph of us in civilian clothes, maps, compass, chocolate, German and French money, and other items.  My flight coveralls had a large buttoned pocket on the right leg below the knee where I kept my escape kit.

 From there we went to the armament hut for our fifty caliber machine guns. We had to wipe almost all the oil off the guns because it got so cold at high altitudes that the least bit of oil would freeze and jam the guns.  I have seen it so cold at high altitudes that spit would freeze before it hit anything..

 We were then taken to “Murder Inc.” by truck.  It took a large truck to carry ten men and all the guns and equipment.

 Once on board we began to install guns and check equipment while waiting for the flare to be fired from the control tower to signal starting of engines.  At last the flare was fired about sunrise.  The pilot began starting the engines, but one engine was not working properly.

 The pilot told the ground crew that this plane could not be flown because of the faulty engine.  The ground crew said there was a standby plane ready to go and we would have to transfer to it.

 The standby plane was named “Aristocrap” and was an unpainted aluminum color.  The change bothered me because I feared the ground crew would not wipe enough oil off the guns.  I did not believe they appreciated how cold it could get at high altitudes.  At any rate, we transferred to “Aristocrap,” started the engines, and took off.

 Changing planes had delayed us ten to fifteen minutes. When we got into the air we could not find the 351^st Bomb Group since there were planes all over the sky.  Finally we attached ourselves as the last plane, “tail-end Charlie,” to a group that was just starting out over the English Channel.  I do not remember the identity of the group or the markings of their aircraft.

 When we got out over the Channel we began testing our guns.  There was a chin turret directly below me in the nose of the B-17 that I controlled remotely from my position inside the aircraft.  The turret began to freeze as I tested it and finally froze beyond use.  There was a flexible gun sticking out of the right side of the nose compartment that operated properly.  The navigator also rode in the nose compartment with his flexible gun sticking out the left side.  I reported the turret malfunction to the pilot.

 As we proceeded on across the Channel my feet became extremely cold because I was not wearing heated shoes.  During the next few minutes I experimented with putting my feet in direct sunlight and this did keep them warm.

 When we arrived over Holland there were supposed to be American fighter planes to meet us and escort us into Germany.  The sky was full of B-17’s but no fighter planes.  I met a P-38 fighter pilot later in prison camp who told me they were over Holland at that time but could not locate us.

 As we crossed into Germany I looked down and saw many German fighter planes taking off from a German airfield.  Within minutes ME-109’s and FW-190’s were at our altitude firing at the formation.  Then came the flak busting throughout the formation.  We use to refer to flak this heavy as “so thick one could walk on it.”  The German fighters ceased their attack and moved back so they would not be in danger of being hit by their own flak.

 The flak continued as we passed over the target about noon.  I did not aim the bombs.  In formation flying the bombardier in the lead plane aimed at the target and all the other bombardiers simply dropped their bombs when he dropped his.  As I watched the bombs fall away I prayed, as I had over Norway, that they would hit military targets only.  Both the Germans and British used “saturation” bombing.  In order to keep down their losses they would fly at night and drop bombs over a large area in order to ensure hitting their target.  Both German and British airmen thought we were crazy to fly during the day and suffer the losses that we did in order to hit specific targets.

 A burst of flak hit the chin turret directly below me and a fragment of it barely missed me as it flew up into the plane.  I moved back to the flexible gun sticking out of the right side of the nose compartment.  In moving back several feet I disconnected my microphone and earphones and lost communication with the rest of the crew.  Flak knocked several large holes in each wing but all four engines were operating as we emerged from the flak.  As we pulled out of the flak area the group to which we had attached ourselves began a turn to the right to return to England.  We did not turn with them but kept flying straight into Germany.  I assume the flak had damaged the controls and the pilot could not turn the plane.

 When we were all alone in the sky many German fighters attacked our ship.  Six  ME-109’s lined up in formation about 1,000 yards out from my gun position, just beyond the range of my gun.  I do not know how many fighters were at other positions around our plane.  The first two German fighters turned toward us, one flying off the wing and just behind the other, and began firing their machine guns.  Each fighter had six guns, making a total of twelve guns firing at me.  Bullet holes began to pop in the window and side of our aircraft.  Bullets flew all around me.  I fired my gun at the fighters.  The first two fighters passed below us and the next two came in for a pass, firing their guns.  As they passed below us the last two came in.  By the time they passed below us the first two were back in position and began another run.  I always had two German fighters coming in on my position and I continually fired my gun at them.  Not one bullet hit me nor did I shoot down a single German fighter.

 I had lost communication with the rest of the crew but I sensed that something was wrong. I moved over from my gun position and looked back through the tunnel that led to the pilot’s compartment.  The pilot was down in the tunnel banging on the escape hatch with a heavy ammunition box.  Directly behind the pilot was a solid wall of flames.  It looked to me as if the entire aircraft except for the nose compartment was engulfed in flames.

 The escape hatch was on the floor of the tunnel.  I crawled back to see if I could help the pilot open the escape hatch.  As I crawled toward him the pilot put his foot on the hatch and forced it open. This took tremendous pressure since the slipstream was trying to force it closed.  The pilot grabbed me by the waist and forced me head first out the escape hatch.

 As I fell clear of the plane, my first reaction was a sense of relief that I had gotten away from that fire.  My next thought was,  “Did I put on that parachute?”  I looked down at my chest — no parachute.

 I felt something tugging at my shoulders and looked up.  There a few feet above my head was my unopened parachute securely hooked to the risers of my harness.  Evidently I had clipped the parachute on my harness but he force of the pilot pushing me through the escape hatch had ripped the risers loose, but the chute was still firmly hooked to the risers.

 As I was falling, the pilot fell past me no more than fifty feet away. He had a look of horror on his face.  I thought when we got on the ground I would kid him about how scared he looked. I found out later that both the pilot and the co-pilot had jumped without their parachutes.  Evidently their chutes had burned in the fire.

 They had told us if we ever bailed out in combat to delay opening the parachute so we could fall away from the fighting. I looked up at my chute and decided to open it right away.  In case I had any trouble, I would then have time to work on it before I hit the ground.  I pulled the parachute down to me hand over hand and pulled the ripcord.  It opened immediately.

 I did not realize the violent shock I would receive when the parachute opened.  I was wearing a harness that was too big.  The force of the opening jerked the harness up and tight around my throat.  There I hung, about 20,000 feet over Germany unable to breath.  I grabbed the risers and gradually pulled myself up in the harness until I could breath.

 I had opened my parachute too close to the fighting and one of the German fighters came straight for me.  I thought, “I have survived all of this just to be shot to death in my parachute by a German fighter.”  But the fighter did not shoot at me.  He circled me all the way to the ground.  I assume he was radioing my position to the ground.

 Next I realized how quiet it was.  All I could hear was the sound of the breeze through my parachute.  I was drifting backward in a strong wind.

 I did not realize how hard I would hit the ground.  My heels hit first – so violently that I did a complete backwards somersault.  I was in a large field and the strong wind caught my parachute and began dragging me across the field.  I tried to get up and run toward the chute to collapse it, but I could not run as fast as the wind was blowing. I tried to pull the bottom lines of the chute toward me to collapse it, but I did not have enough strength.  Finally the bottom of the parachute caught on a barbed wire fence and collapsed, pulling me up tight against it.

 The German fighter that had been circling me buzzed low over me.  The pilot gave me a salute and flew away.  Again it was very quiet.  I looked down at my right leg for my escape kit.  The right pants leg of my flight coveralls was torn away from the knee down – no escape kit.  I struggled to get out of the parachute harness and just as I managed to free myself a German sergeant and several soldiers came over a small hill.  The sergeant said, in a British accent, “Are you hurt, boy?”

 I told him I was not hurt.  Then he said, “What did you have for breakfast?”   I replied, “bacon and eggs.”   The sergeant then said,  “I have not had bacon and eggs in a long time.”  He told me he had lived in London for over ten years and hoped to go back there after the war.

 The sergeant took me to his headquarters, an anti-aircraft installation.  He got my name, home address and the fact that I am a Catholic from my dog tags.  He kept telling me,  “For you the war is over.”  He sounded as if he envied me.  He told in detail what would happen to me as a prisoner of war.  I turned out that he was quite accurate.

 The sergeant said he had never captured a prisoner before and wanted to take some pictures. He took pictures of me front and back.  The back pictures showed the “Murder Inc.” on my flight jacket.  These were the only pictures the Germans ever took of the jacket and were the ones used in the propaganda.

 Later that day I was taken by truck to a Luftwaffe base and locked in a small room.  That night a Luftwaffe pilot came to my room and wanted to talk about airplanes.  He did not speak English and I could not speak German, but we managed to communicate.

 There seemed to be a bond among airmen, even on opposite sides of the war.  We had been up there.  We knew what it was like more than anyone on the ground would ever comprehend.  It was as if “the war” was bigger than all of us and it was “the war” that was doing all the damage and was the real enemy to both of us.

 The pilot said he had been a Stuka Dive Bomber pilot and was wounded in the leg over Malta.  His leg was stiff and he had been grounded.  He saw the “Murder Inc.” on the back of my flight jacket and told me I had better get that off.  He said it might cause me some real trouble.

 I sat up all night and picked that paint off of my flight jacket with my thumbnail.  By morning all one could see was a faint outline of “Murder Inc.”

 I heard no more about “Murder Inc.” while I was taken to Dulag Luft at Frankfurt (some solitary confinement there) then on to Stalag Luft I at Barth on the Baltic Sea.

 I was Prisoner of War Number 1664 assigned to Block II (Barrack II).  There were three barracks in the camp.  Block III was completely empty.  Blocks I and II held about 200 prisoners each, both British and American commissioned officer airmen.

 On Christmas Eve, 1943, three German guards came to our room (about twenty men to a room) and said I was wanted by the German Commandant.  They took me to the German officer’s club.  It was decorated for Christmas with a Christmas tree and all the trimmings.  The Commandant was seated at a table with two other men.  He stood up, greeted me and shook hands.  He asked me to have a seat and offered me some wine.   I hesitated to drink the  wine thinking it might be drugged, but the Commandant assured me it was good German Rhine wine, so I did take a few sips.

 The Commandant said the man seated across from him had come up from Berlin to talk to me.  The Commandant then stood up and said he had to leave, and he and the other officer left the table.

 The man from Berlin was wearing a sweater (so no military rank) and military riding pants and boots.  I believe he was a general from the way the Commandant, who was a colonel, had treated him.  He was a good-looking man and appeared to be about forty years of age.

 He asked me about Christmas in the United States and at my home.  We wanted to know what I thought my parents would be doing at that time on Christmas Eve.  I told him about Christmas Eve at home, exchange of presents, Midnight Mass, and about my family. 

 He then showed me a Berlin newspaper with my picture on the front page, a front view and the back view with the “Murder Inc.” on the back of the jacket.  He said he had been sent up from Berlin to see if I were really a gangster.  He said it was obvious to him that I was not a gangster and he thought that I would probably hear no more about “Murder Inc.”  He wanted to know why we had given the plane this name.  I told him I did not name the plane and did not know why it was so named.

 He gave me the newspaper and said he thought I might like to have it as a souvenir.  I have that very same paper in front of me now at my desk.

 I was taken back to Block II and spent my first Christmas as a prisoner of war.

 On December 28 they took me to the cooler (punishment prison) and locked me in a solitary confinement cell.  About 5:30 the next morning two guards came and took me out the main gate of the camp and started walking toward Barth.  It was just a short distance – maybe two miles.  I asked “Where are we going?”  They replied, “Berlin.”

 I thought they were probably going to take me to Berlin, have a fake trial, and hang me in the public square so they could get more propaganda value out of “Murder Inc.”

 At Barth we took a train and arrived in Berlin about noon.  I was taken to an Italian and Russian prisoner of war camp located in the northern outskirts of the city.  They put me in solitary confinement, but it was not so bad because I had a window to look out.

 About noon on December 30 a German guard, who was over six feet tall and spoke good English, took me to the center of Berlin.  We entered a large building and he said he was taking me to the Foreign Office. Inside we met a major who took me on an elevator to the fourth or fifth floor.

 The major took me into an office that had a desk and several chairs.  One man behind the desk told me he was Dr. Paul Schmidt, Hitler’s interpreter. He said the other man’s wife had been recently killed in an air raid.  I thought they were telling me these things just to see my reaction.  I had never heard of Dr. Paul Schmidt, but I have since learned that he was Hitler’s interpreter.  I now believe that I was indeed talking to “the” Dr. Paul Schmidt.

 Dr. Schmidt started by telling me that Germany was right in the war.  He said that the countries around Germany were mistreating their German minorities and that Germany had to invade them to stop this.  He asked me what I thought of Germany’s position.

 I told him I understood that when Hitler first came to power during the Depression he started building roads, putting people back to work, improving the economy, and getting things rolling again.  This was the same type thing President Roosevelt had done and I thought it was good, but when Hitler started invading neighboring countries that was bad.

 I told him I thought they could actually have gotten away with it if they had not tried to conquer England, Africa and Russia.  Their worst mistake, I said, was getting the Japanese to attack Pearl Harbor.  Then I said, “Could it be that you did not know that the Japanese were going to attack Pearl Harbor?”  There was no response, but from their reaction I believe they did not know about the attack in advance.  They simply said something about the Japanese being a great people.

 At any rate, I told them that once the United States had entered the war, Germany did not have a chance to win.  The asked me if I thought the American soldier was superior.  I told them no, it was the production power of the United States that would overwhelm them.

 Dr. Schmidt said that all Americans were overly optimistic and began trying to convince me that Germany was going to win the war.  He must have thought he had me convinced because he said that not all prisoners of war lived in prison camps.  Some, he said, lived in Berlin in nice apartments and had their freedom within the city, went to the theatre, had girl friends, and lived a pleasant life.  He then said he was not without influence in the government and he thought he could probably arrange for me to have just about anything I might want.  He then inquired, “Is there anything you would like for me to do for you?”  In response I said, “Yes.” His face lit up and he inquired, “What can I do for you?”  I said, “Take me back to the prison camp and leave me alone.”

 Having said he could do just about anything for me, he actually seemed apologetic that he could not do the simple thing I had asked.  He said it would not be possible for to return to the prison camp right away.  There were other people in Berlin who wanted to see me.  He wasn’t sure how many persons I would talk with or how long I would be kept in Berlin.  (I believe this conversation took somewhere between one and two hours. I feel certain it was recorded through a hidden microphone and could very well still be on file somewhere in Berlin.)  Eventually I was taken back to the Italian and Russian prison camp and the solitary confinement cell.

 The next day, Friday, December 31, I saw a British prisoner of war out in the compound with the Italian and Russian prisoners.  I had a guard stationed outside my door at all times.  This guard would escort me across the compound to the toilets on the far side. The next time we were crossing the compound I managed to speak to the British prisoner.

 A few days later the Englishman pushed a note through a crack in the wall separating my room from the one he shared with some Italian prisoners. He wanted to know what I was doing there.  I told him about “Murder Inc.”  He sent a note back wanting to know why we had given a plane this name.  I told him I had nothing to do with naming the plane and had no idea why it was so named.  The next day he pushed a note through saying that he was a Catholic and that the Germans allowed him to go to Mass in town on Sundays.  He said if I would write down a prayer the priest would put it on the altar and include my intentions with the Mass.  I wrote a prayer that the war would end and for my family back home, and then I pushed what I had written through to him.

 During the next few days he got my entire story by our pushing notes back and forth.  He told me that before the war he had worked at White Hall in London.  As best as I can remember he said his name was Rufus L. Yates, but after all these years, I cannot be sure.  He began to send me food, cigarettes, religious books, and cards through the German guard that was always stationed at my door.

 One day about a dozen generals and their aides from the Luftwaffe, SS, Army, and Navy came to the camp.  The guard outside my door came in and pointed to them through the window.  He seemed proud that these important people had come to the camp.  He pointed out the different ranks and different organizations.  He tried to explain to me the difference between the SS and the Gestapo. He said these important people assembling here had something to do with me.  He seemed to think I should be proud of such an honor.

 The generals went into the mess hall.  I expected to be called to appear before them.  After about an hour or more they came out got into their automobiles and left.  (I had not seen so many cars in one place since I had been in Germany.)  I did not appear before them, but I am sure they looked at the evidence that had been gathered and decided to send me back to the prisoner of war camp.

 Early on Sunday, January 9, 1944, the same two guards that had brought me to Berlin came into the room and woke me up.  They took me by train back to Barth and out to Stalag Luft I.  I spent the rest of the war at Stalag Luft I.  The prison camp grew from the three barracks mentioned earlier to about fifty barracks holding about 10,000 American officers.  No more British officers arrived and the ones there were put into separate barracks.  We were in the South Compound with the British officers.  Most of the prisoners were in the North Compound and completely separated from us.

 I did see more pictures and cartoons in German newspapers about “Murder Inc.”  One day a fellow prisoner showed me a German magazine that he said was running the story of my life in serial form.  (I do not read German). He said the magazine said I was one of Al Capone’s gangsters in Chicago and had finally gone to jail in Alcatraz Prison. When the war started, the magazine reported, President Roosevelt had gone to the warden of Alcatraz and told him that he wanted the meanest man in the prison to go over and kill German women and children.   The article also stated the warden told Roosevelt that Ken Williams was the best man for the job.  According to the magazine, Roosevelt then arranged for me to get out of prison and organize the effort, entitled “Murder Inc.” to kill German women and children.

 Not all of my memories of prison camp are unpleasant.  We played bridge, chess, poker and other games.  We played volleyball, baseball, football and other sports.  On the train from Berlin back to Barth a girl gave me a piece of cake after the guards had already told her I was a prisoner of war.  On that trip the guards took me into a beer hall and bought me a beer.  We had a radio at Stalag Luft I that the Germans could not locate.  Some of the men listened to B.B.C. and wrote a newsletter that was circulated throughout the camp.  Someone was always digging a tunnel to try to escape. 

Some memories are not so pleasant.  One man was shot dead, not fifty feet from where I was standing, for stepping out of his barracks during an air raid. I saw one prisoner, who had lost his mind fall to the ground, and a guard put a pistol to his head and pulled the trigger but the gun misfired.  Lawton H. Wilkes, the right waist gunner from my crew lost his mind while confined to Stalag 17-B and ran screaming across the compound.  He started climbing the barbed wire fence and was shot dead by the guards.  The stress of the war and prison camp caused some to lose their minds.   I saw our chaplain (Father Charlton, an Irish priest who was in the British Army) step between a hysterical guard and a prisoner, calm the guard down and keep him from firing his machine gun at the prisoner.  The worst things for me personally were solitary confinement and starvation.  I lost from 150 pounds down to almost 100 pounds.

At the end of the war the Russians took over that part of Germany and liberated us on May 1, 1945.  We had trouble trying to make arrangements with the Russians to get back to our own people.  But eventually the Eighth Air Force sent in B-17’s and flew us to France on May 14, 1945.

Of the ten men on my crew, six survived the war.  The pilot (Orvil L. Castle) and copilot (Leon E. Anderson) were killed when they jumped without their parachutes.  Mike C. Beckett, the radio operator was shot to death in the plane and Lawton H. Wilkes, the right waist gunner was killed in prison camp.

From Camp Lucky Strike in France, I boarded a ship at Le Harve and arrived back in the United States on June 21, 1945, to take up my civilian life.  On September 1, I married my childhood sweetheart Jean Lorraine Zeman.  Over the years we had five children – four sons and one daughter.  I was discharged from the Army Air Corps on December 11, 1945, and went into the business of manufacturing warm air furnaces. On February 13, 1956, I went to work for the local city and county governments as Civil Defense Director. The title of this job changed several times until I retired on October 25, 1983, with the title of Emergency Management Director. After more than thirty-eight years of being happily married my beloved wife died of cancer on March 30, 1984.  This was a devastating experience.

Right after the war I received hundreds of letters from all over the world.   All of the letters were supportive and wished me well.  They all contained newspaper clippings of “Murder Inc.” that they thought I might like to have as a souvenir.  Many were anxious to know if I had survived the war.  There were so many letters I could not answer them all, so I regretfully decided not to answer any of them.  I put the letters in a box and stored them in a closet.  A slow leak developed in a water pipe and dripped on the letters over a period of time.  Several years ago I took the box out of the closet and the letters were ruined, turned to pulp.  I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to any of the people who may read this and were so kind as to have sent me one of those letters.

I did bring home the jacket that had caused all the trouble. I had “Murder Inc.: painted on again exactly as it had been before I spent one night removing it.  The jacket is old and stiff now and the lettering has faded, but I am wearing it as I write this.

In closing this narrative I pray to God that there will never again be another World War.