A spring element for an upper nipper of a combing machine has a first element with a through opening arranged transversely to a longitudinal axis. A second element has an internal thread for fastening a shaft adapter, and a guide opening with an opening width as well as a passage opening arranged in the longitudinal axis on a side of the guide opening facing away from the internal thread. A compression spring is arranged between the first and second elements. A connecting element is held in the bore of the first element and projects through the passage opening of the second element into the guide opening, the connecting element having a larger diameter than the passage opening on a side thereof opposite the first element. The first element has a tubular lug overlapping the compression spring, and the second element has a sleeve overlapping the compression spring and the lug.