David Malsch, Steinbach | RZM M7/70
The David Malsch, Eisen- und Stahlwarenfabrik, company was founded in 1806 by David Malsch. The company was located on Hauptstrasse 13 in the village of Steinbach, Meiningen district near Bad Liebenstein (Thuringia). Come the mid-nineteenth century Malsch's sons: Jacob and Conrad continued management of the business. In 1880, Jacob's son Ferdinand Malsch became the owner who then sold it to Lothar Malsch in 1914. The company specialized in manufacturing: cutlery, cooking, bread and butcher knives. On May 31, 1926, Malsch registered the "DM" within an oval trademark. The company thrived leading up to and during the Third Reich era. It became one of the largest companies in Steinbach, with over five hundred employees. During that period, Malsch manufactured: Luftwaffe daggers and swords, DLV/NSFK knives, SA/NSKK daggers and SS daggers. It is probable that Malsch had a working relationship with the F. & A. Helbig firm, who was also a large producer of many dress daggers for the NSDAP. In 1938, Malsch received its RZM M7/70 code and its RZM 1164/38 SS code. Gernot Malsch took over the company from his father Lothar Malsch in 1945 and was the last owner of the David Malsch company. In 1958, the company lost its independence and was transferred to a production cooperative for the knife-making trade with other Steinbach companies.
| Maker | David Malsch |
| Location | Steinbach |
| RZM Number | RZM M7/70 | RZM 1164/38 SS |
| Trademark | "DM" within an oval |
| Founded | 1806 |
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Reference:
Hogle, N. (2021). The Collector’s Guide to Hitler Youth Knives.