European Infantry Sidearm.

Norman McCormick · 25th April 2010, 08:45 PM

The stamps on the other sidearm.

Norman McCormick · 3rd July 2021, 07:38 PM

Hi,
For completeness, double A under a crown is the Berne Armoury, Switzerland.
N.C.O.'s briquet sabre C1830.
Regards,
Norman.

Jim McDougall · 3rd July 2021, 11:51 PM

Gebruder Weyersberg was founded 1 Jan 1787 by the brothers Wilhelm, Peter and Johann-Ludwig Weyersberg. They produced large quantities of knife and sword blades (in 1786 as much as 17% of Solingens blades, Large numbers of orders from France and Italy).
In the progression of changes with of course passing of family and to other family members the business prevailed until in 1883, the firm amalgamated with Kirschbaum to become Wyersberg, Kirschbaum et cie.

The reformation of Gebruder Weyerberg 1 May 1902, but no swords or bayonets produced by this incarnation of the firm.

The stamp GEBR.
WEYERSBERG/SOLINGEN in two lines
either parallel or with top line arched
trademark of kings head also used, but other devices known, a cockerel, a trumpet, deers head, eagle holding shield with W, horses head and an
A-star-1 were also known used.

"The Sword and Bayonet Makers of Imperial Germany 1871-1918", John Walter,1973, p.174-78

The Bern marking of course suggests the disposition of this sword there.
Clearly these 'briquets' were widely dispersed and used in many countries and over many years, even generations. Their commonality and the fact that they are munition grade weapons produced in massive volume rendered them not particularly 'collectible' and most probably ended up scrap.

M ELEY · 4th July 2021, 09:54 AM

It's too bad so many folks look down upon the briquets just because they are prolific. They still tell a vital story in the progression of edged weapon history. Although plain, they were an excellent utilitarian tool and weapon, made for simplicity and 'toughness' in the field, much like the so-called 'Pioneer's swords'.

corrado26 · 4th July 2021, 06:34 PM

The "AA" mark under a crown stands for "Auszueger Armatur" and was a mark of the Bern Arsenal.
All conscripted men who did not belong to the "Recruited Soldiers" were assigned to the Landwehr. In contrast to the Auszueger, who gathered his equipment in the arsenal, the Landwehr soldier had to disarm and arm himself at his own expense. This naturally led to a different look and a Landwehr pattern had to look like a carnival procession, as numerous caricatures attest. The goal of the government was to maintain a troop with the Landwehr and, above all, a large rifle budget as cheaply as possible. Among other things, a marriage law was passed in which the groom was obliged to buy weapons and equipment before the wedding. Here is a cartoon from that time. The disadvantage of this system was of course the enormous variety of weapons in terms of type and quality.

Will M · 10th July 2021, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corrado26

Among other things, a marriage law was passed in which the groom was obliged to buy weapons and equipment before the wedding. Here is a cartoon from that time. The disadvantage of this system was of course the enormous variety of weapons in terms of type and quality.

This law should be reinstated, as you know once married other priorities prevent using $ to collect arms.

I had seen the double A marking before and was unaware of its meaning.
Always more to learn.

Jim McDougall · 4th July 2021, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M ELEY

It's too bad so many folks look down upon the briquets just because they are prolific. They still tell a vital story in the progression of edged weapon history. Although plain, they were an excellent utilitarian tool and weapon, made for simplicity and 'toughness' in the field, much like the so-called 'Pioneer's swords'.

Very well said Capn,
These were essential 'bare bones' weapons that may have been basic, but reflected the tough excellence that they were intended for, and in the harsh intense conditions they faced, they did it well.
Look at the often simple utility knives and tools of the frontiers here in America, and the fact that they were often simply disposed of or repurposed has placed them in an almost rare category, ironically giving them the collectible status denied in their contemporary times.

As with all weapons, they have stories to tell.

25th April 2010, 08:45 PM	#1
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,613	The stamps on the other sidearm. Attached Images

3rd July 2021, 07:38 PM	#2
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,613	Hi, For completeness, double A under a crown is the Berne Armoury, Switzerland. N.C.O.'s briquet sabre C1830. Regards, Norman.

3rd July 2021, 11:51 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,200	Gebruder Weyersberg was founded 1 Jan 1787 by the brothers Wilhelm, Peter and Johann-Ludwig Weyersberg. They produced large quantities of knife and sword blades (in 1786 as much as 17% of Solingens blades, Large numbers of orders from France and Italy). In the progression of changes with of course passing of family and to other family members the business prevailed until in 1883, the firm amalgamated with Kirschbaum to become Wyersberg, Kirschbaum et cie. The reformation of Gebruder Weyerberg 1 May 1902, but no swords or bayonets produced by this incarnation of the firm. The stamp GEBR. WEYERSBERG/SOLINGEN in two lines either parallel or with top line arched trademark of kings head also used, but other devices known, a cockerel, a trumpet, deers head, eagle holding shield with W, horses head and an A-star-1 were also known used. "The Sword and Bayonet Makers of Imperial Germany 1871-1918", John Walter,1973, p.174-78 The Bern marking of course suggests the disposition of this sword there. Clearly these 'briquets' were widely dispersed and used in many countries and over many years, even generations. Their commonality and the fact that they are munition grade weapons produced in massive volume rendered them not particularly 'collectible' and most probably ended up scrap.

4th July 2021, 09:54 AM	#4
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,146	It's too bad so many folks look down upon the briquets just because they are prolific. They still tell a vital story in the progression of edged weapon history. Although plain, they were an excellent utilitarian tool and weapon, made for simplicity and 'toughness' in the field, much like the so-called 'Pioneer's swords'.

4th July 2021, 06:34 PM	#5
corrado26 Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Black Forest, Germany Posts: 1,226	The "AA" mark under a crown stands for "Auszueger Armatur" and was a mark of the Bern Arsenal. All conscripted men who did not belong to the "Recruited Soldiers" were assigned to the Landwehr. In contrast to the Auszueger, who gathered his equipment in the arsenal, the Landwehr soldier had to disarm and arm himself at his own expense. This naturally led to a different look and a Landwehr pattern had to look like a carnival procession, as numerous caricatures attest. The goal of the government was to maintain a troop with the Landwehr and, above all, a large rifle budget as cheaply as possible. Among other things, a marriage law was passed in which the groom was obliged to buy weapons and equipment before the wedding. Here is a cartoon from that time. The disadvantage of this system was of course the enormous variety of weapons in terms of type and quality.