The Fritz Barthelemes (BAVARIA) steel goods factory in Muggendorf, Bavaria, represents a fascinating exception in the history of early Nazi-era edged weapons. While precise founding records are scarce, the firm is documented as active during the early 1930s. Being a Bavarian maker, Barthelemes stands out significantly, as the overwhelming majority of political dagger production was centralized in Solingen.
The firm focused almost exclusively on early SA service daggers (Sturmabteilung). Based on collector data and surviving pieces, estimated production ranges from 5,000 to 7,000 units, resulting in a rarity rating of 3/5 (moderately scarce). Early examples typically feature nickel or nickel-silver fittings, and many are marked with the regional group stamp “Fr” (SA-Gruppe Franken) on the crossguard.
The Fritz Barthelemes trademark is a distinctive circular emblem: “FRITZ BARTHELMES” in the upper arc, “MUGGENDORF” in the lower arc, and “BAVARIA” in a central oval, all flanked by small stars. This dark-toned blade etching is one of the most recognizable maker’s marks outside the traditional Solingen region. As the firm did not hold a standard RZM license, its production is generally classified outside of later standardized RZM-coded lists, identifying it firmly as an early-phase manufacturer.
