European Infantry Sidearm.

[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'.

[corrado26]

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]

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]

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.