The company Emil Gierling, Stahlwarenfabrik was established in Solingen before 1925 and officially registered with the Solingen authorities on March 1, 1928. Initially specializing in the manufacture of high-quality shears (notably poultry shears), cutlery, and manicure articles, the firm expanded its operations during the Third Reich era to include contract production of edged weapons, with a primary focus on the SA service dagger (Sturmabteilung) [M1933]. Located first at Schützenstraße 30 and later at Klingenstraße 36, the manufacturer operated in the absolute center of German blade craft. The company was eventually dissolved on May 29, 1957.
In 1935, the company was officially assigned the RZM code M7/46 for the manufacturing of NSDAP political organization daggers. Emil Gierling manufactured an estimated total of only 1,000 SA service daggers, which grants these pieces an exceptional rarity rating of 4.5/5 (highly rare) among advanced military antiques collectors. These early-production daggers feature classic solid nickel-silver fittings and bear the iconic etched blade motto "Alles für Deutschland". Crossguards are frequently found stamped with specific SA group (Gau) markings, including P (Pommern), Wf (Westfalen), and Wm (Westmark).
The distinctive trademark or logo of Emil Gierling features the text "Emil Gierling Solingen" in a clear, stretched font, accompanied by a stylized bird (chicken), a symbol deeply associated with the firm's traditional poultry shears and nail clippers. This maker mark was etched directly onto the blades, often paired with the RZM M7/46 code during the transitional period. Beyond SA contracts, the factory's wartime portfolio included HJ (Hitler Youth) knives and dress bayonets for fire departments (fireman bayonets).
