Original German Pre – WWII 1936 Dated Short Handled Pioneer Wire Cutters by Gebrüder Heller with 1939 Dated Leather Case by Schambach & Co. Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The German Pioniertruppen (Pioneer troops) were equipped to accomplish many different tasks. Whether it was laying mines, building (or demolishing) bridges, removing obstacles or constructing earth re-enforcments; the Pioneer troops carried the necessary equipment. They had a variety of different tools such as long spades, saws, explosives, detonators, and wire cutters. The Drahtschere (wire cutters) were key during WWI, due to the extensive barbed wire used. Many of these wire cutters were still quite serviceable when WWII arrived, and were used then as well.

This example is quite nice, and looks to be fully functional, with no chips or major damage to the cutting edges, just some wear from use in the field. They are marked with a GLOCKEN ZANGEN (Bells Plyers) around a bell logo on the cutting head, and also are maker marked and dated:

GEBRÜDER HELLER
1936

Gebrüder Heller, Bohrerfabrik (Drill Factory), was founded in 1849 and located at Schmalkalden in Thuringen. This company manufactured pliers, cutters, drill bits, and numerous other tools. During WWII they are mainly known for their tool manufacture, and have been seen on other examples of these short wire cutters with bakelite handles. Below the maker name is an early “Stick Eagle” Waffenamt Eagle / WaA163, which could possibly indicate Luftwaffe use. The cutters measure about 15 inches in overall length, and are really in great shape.

The included leather carry case is in fantastic, solid condition with all stitching and hardware still present. It has a faint Waffenamt eagle on the rear, which looks to be a “Police” style eagle, and it has a full maker name and date on the underside of the flap, which reads: 

SCHAMBACH & CO
BERLIN
1939

A great example of field-used military German Pioneer military equipment, ready to research and display!