The company Schmitz Friedrich August, Stahlwarenfabrik was established in 1878 in Solingen. Boasting a long-standing history in high-quality steelware and cutlery craftsmanship, the firm expanded its manufacturing scope during the Third Reich era to include contract production of political edged weapons, establishing itself as an authorized manufacturer of SA service daggers (Sturmabteilung). Situated in Solingen, the manufacturer operated in the absolute center of German blade craft.
In 1935, the factory was officially assigned the RZM code M7/74 for the manufacturing of NSDAP political organization daggers. Friedrich August Schmitz manufactured an estimated total of approximately 3,000 SA service daggers. This production run grants these historical pieces a 3/5 rarity rating (moderately rare) among military antiques collectors. These daggers feature premium solid nickel-silver fittings and bear the iconic etched blade motto "Alles für Deutschland". Beyond political contracts, the factory's portfolio included standard domestic cutlery and commercial steel goods.
The highly distinctive and unique trademark of Friedrich August Schmitz featured a sophisticated visual layout. It consisted of the curved text "FRIEDR. AUG. SCHMITZ" along the upper arc and "SOLINGEN" along the lower edge. Positioned at the absolute center of the design are two white bowls or cups crossed by sharp black lines resembling an X. This striking black-and-white maker mark, beautifully conveying a classic, traditional guild aesthetic, was typically etched onto the lower part of the blade near the crossguard. Today, surviving products from this maker represent an important example of the Solingen manufacturing transition, making them excellent reference pieces for a comprehensive blank weapons encyclopedia.
