This video has been a huge help to me over the years. Thanks! Also saw your recent replies and am glad you are still around. No new videos since C*VID and I was worried about you. Recently picked up a Mauser 71 Bayonet scabbard marked VI. G. B. 1. 4. 229 - but I am not sure what the "G.B." is. Also, you should start a discord server - it would be more efficient for sharing pictures of Imperial German artifacts and we can all help each other translate markings/research.
Thank you very much for posting this! I just purchased a Gewehr 1888 manufactured in 1891. Regiment 124, Infantry Training Unit(R.E.), Company 4, Weapon 182. From what I read the 124th was based in Weingarten which had a large military base pre WW1. I'd assume a decent amount of training rifles came out of that base.
I Just got an all matching 1876 Mauser 71 unit marking is 19 L.D. 3. 224. can anyone help me find any info on what regiment this was from? Id love to know. thanks.Also has a governors or state marking on the left receiver of an "M" what state would this have been?
I have an old bayonet with markings on the scabbard Ff1266 and on the hilt Cc8337 it`s in perfect condition .How old would this bayonet be and in what regiment was it issued.
Thanks Vincent, most helpful but as you say, lots of variants...I have a sword marked 2.J.R.P.1.75 with 175 stamped on the inside of the scabbard. It had a previous mark peened out. Otto Mertens Solingen dated 97. Any help appreciated. Seems to be Kav. Style? David
Hi David, your sword belonged to the "2nd Jäger-Regiment zu Pferde, 1st squadron, weapon no. 75." The 1 75 is a short variant of the unit marking "1st squadron, weapon no. 75.". The Jäger zu Pferde (or mounted jaegers) were a type of light cavalry in the late prussian army. In total 14 regiments were raised between 1901 and 1913. Diffrent to other cavalry units they were designed from the start up as scouts and messengers. They wore an intersting mix of uniforms. Some parts of cuirassiers, some dragoon pieces and so on. A cool topic to research. Cheers, Vincent.
@imperialgermanbayonets9244 Thank you Vincent, that is fantastic information. Would you be able to suggest a first contact point in Germany to turn that 75 into the man this belonged to? Is it likely to be possible?
@@DaveKelly-s6y Sadly not. If those papers had survived WW1 they have most likley been destroyed by the fire storms of WW2. So many documents have been lost between 1918 and 1945, it is more or less impossible to match the "75" to a specific soldier.
Hello Vincent, firstly can I thank you for an excellent informative video and your perfect english! Secondly, I would like your help on two items in my collection. One is a cavalry sabre, which is like the M1811 you show, with markings R.P.17.2 (cursive R) on hilt and scabbard, the other is a SG1884/98 II marked 3.M.G.B.460 18 (B is partially stamped so could be R, maybe even K as top and bottom missing) on the crossguard. Any help you can give would be much appreciated. Thank you.
Thanks for the information! I have a Prussian-captured French Chassepot bayonet with a unit marking stamped onto the guard, it reads: 88.L.II.4.233. What do you think the Roman numeral “II” stood for?
Hi Vincent, thank you for all your videos to date! I have a Bavarian Kar71 marked with 2.R.C. Would be great to find out what the C denotes. I'm also looking at a hirschfanger bayonet marked with G.S.E, so would that be Guard Schutzen Ersatz? Much appreciated!
Hi, you are right with the Hirschfanger. Regarding the unit marking from your K71 i dint know a solution from the top of my head. You can send me a picture. This alwys helps when it comes to unit markings. imperialgermanbayonets@gmail.com Cheers, Vincent
very great job done!! thank you very much. I have a Blucher Sabel L.A.7.18. : according to the unit markings, it sands for Landwehr or Landsturm Artillerie-Regiment, 7 batallion?
HI - I've an old German sabre - I believe it is a M1852 Prussian Cavalry Sabre. I would really appreciate help on identifying the unit markings (some of which have been stamped out). They are L.G.H. L. 35 (stamped out) L35 (stamped out) 11.A.F1.2.H.37 (not stamped out) Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for the great video! Very informative. I just got a M1889 Prussian sword and it has the mark 13 U 4.89 on it. Now I know what that means. The engravings on the sword indicate it is Konig Ulanan Regt. 1 Hanoversc Nr 13 so that matches the 13U part of the code. I guess 4 is the company and 89 is the sword number? I thought 4.89 might have meant it was made in April of 1898.
Hi Darrion, Fuhrpark-Kolonne was a good conclusion but its not the staff of the second company. "G. E.(cursive) F. 2. 58." reads as the "2nd Etappen Fuhrpark-Kolonne of the Gardekorps, weapon no. 58.". Cheers, Vincent.
@@darrionsloan923 The translation is hard for me since i dont know the english word for "Etappe". "Etappe" in the old german military described more or less a place behind the own frontline where ammunition, food and other supplies were stored and wounded soldiers and pow's were kept. So an Etappen-Fuhrpark-Kolonne were the guys that organised and did all of the driving between the Gardekorps and their supply and logistic units behind the frontlines.
Thanks for your comment. The unit marking on your scabbard should translte to 42th infantry regiment, recruitment depot, weapon no. 124. Cheers, Vincent.
Excellent video. I have a Prussian Model 1850 cavalry pistol with unit marking 7KEE26 on the trigger guard. Any help on ID most appreciated! I assume the 26 is gun #26 issued to this unit.
Thank you for your kind words. I think i remeber seeing this particular pistole somewhere online or at least a pistole 1850 with simular unit markings. 7 K E E 26 should read as "7. Kürassier-Regiment, Ersatz-Eskadron, Pistole 26." so in egnlish the 7th cuirassier regiment, Ersatz squadron, pistole 26. The Ersatz squadron was the training unit within a prussian cavalry regiment. Cheers, Vincent.
Yes. This is one of those early unit markings stamped bore there was any real regulation. "SSR 2. 58." should read as "Sächsisches Schützen-Regiment, 2. Kompanie, Waffe 58." or in english "saxon rifles regiment, 2. company, weapon 58.". This regiment was equipped with the dreyse M/60 in 1867 after saxony joined the prussian military allience. A nice and rare saxon piece. Cheers, Vincent.
Hello Vincent thankyou so much for these instructive videos. I am a complete novice on the history and interpretation of these fine weapons, and am beyond excited to present this historical find to my dad for Christmas along with (hopefully) a decent background. I found what was titled as a WW1 German bayonet at a pawn shop. Upon doing some research I found that it was indeed legit, but I'm still missing some details... The inscription on the blade to identify it's unit is a bit "smudged" so to speak and all I can make out clearly is "17.R._._4. I think that it might be along the lines of "17.R.1.44." but I cannot be certain. What's even more interesting is that the sheath it came with has an entirely different inscription to signify it's unit origins... It reads ""122.R.12.189." I am personally affiliated with the military, but have never used a bayonet. However I do not think that a sheath and bayonet would be mismatched on purpose. Then again, this weapon is over a hundred years old and I could just be spitting mere suspicions. Please let me know what your thoughts are, I'm having such a fun time on this journey through history! Your input has genuinely been most helpful to me.
Hi. I’ve got Mauser 72/84 too. But plate is little a pitted but there is K.A.R. and under that R. 442. - would it be kaiser alexander garde-grenadier-regiment nr. 1 reserve, weapon nr 442??
Yes. You are correct when it comes to the regiment. The "R" indicates a "Rekrutendepot" within the Ersatz-Bataillon. If i understand it correctly the diffrence between the regular Ersatz units and the Rekrutendepots is that the weapons marked to the Ersatz units were given to the voluntairy recruits while the weapons marked to the Rekrutendepots were given to those young men which were drafted in case of war.
I just aquired a 1907 gew98, the bayonet is from 1917 so there are no markings on that but the markings on the stock read "B.15.R.7.60" any idea of what the "B" would mean and how would that read? thanks in advance!
Hey, if the "B" is the first letter it usually indicates "bavarian", which means that this weapon was issued to the bavarian army. The rest of the unit markings then reads as shown in the video. So "B. 15. R. 7. 60." stands for the "bavarian 15th infantry regiment, 7th company, riflle no. 60." Cheers, Vincent.
Hey man, love your videos! I watch them a lot since I started collecting prussian swords and sabers. I have a question about an M1852 saber I just picked up. It has this regiment number: 11.A.F.4.H.48. Do you know what the ‘H’ stands for in this sequence? There is also an older marking readable: L.2.55. 2 other ones are completely illegible. Thanks and keep making videos! Looking forward to seeing more in depth videos about swords and sabers in particular ;)
Hi, the "H" in the first unit marking stands for "Haubitzen" or in english "howitzer". Therefore "11.A.F.4.H.48." stands for "footartillery-regiment no. 11, munition-column no. 4 (for howitzers), weapon no. 48.". Your second unit marking "L.2.55." reads as "2. Lehr-Kompanie der Fußartillerie-Schießschule, Waffe Nr. 55" or in english "2nd training-company of the artillery school, weapon no. 55". A rare unit marking to find! Cheers, Vincent.
@@imperialgermanbayonets9244 Thanks! I was wondering what it meant. I’m slowly adding to the collection. Newest addition is a KD89 of the 7th Husaren. Looking forward to more of your very informative videos!
ive got a rifle marked 1887 and im not having the best luck with its markings, 24.R.R. 311., thats two normal r's and two seperate lines, the format just doesnt seem entirely right for the marking examples i can find
"R.R." usually stands for recruitment depot (ger. Rekrutendepot) of an infantry regiment. These depots were part of the training facilities of the regiment in case of war. So "24.R.R. 311." reads as "24th infantry regiment, recruitment depot, rifle no.. 311." Cheers, Vincent.
Hey. Your unit marking should "translate" as 102. Landwehr-Infantry-Regiment, I. Bataillon, 4. Company, Sword 128. Maybe you could send me some pictures of the markings to imperialgermanbayonets@gmail.com so i can make sure i got this unit marking right. Up to you. Cheers, Vincent.
Not really common but you can find ground off numbers. This was sometimes done officially if the pistole was issued to another unit and the gunsmith eraised the older and now obsolete unit marking via grinding it out. More often you will find older unit markings simply crossed out or sometime even just stamped over with the newer unit marking.
Hey, it should be "Reserve-Artillerie-Munitionskolonne no. 15, weapon no. 99." So "reserve artillery ammunition column no. 15, weapon no. 99" Cheers, Vincent
How did Bavarian unit markings differ from Prussian, if at all? I have the option on a 98/05 m.S but its markings do not seem to line up with any Prussian unit i can find. Seller is informing me that its Bavarian and their unit markings were completely different. I'm completely bemused to be honest. 18.P.1.4 Thanks by the way for the video, hugely informative.
Hello, 18.P.1.4. should be the 18th pioneer bataillon. This also checks out with the 98/05 sawback. But this unit was not bavarian, neither is the unit marking itself. If you want, you can send me pictures. Cheers, Vincent
Hi. I am guessing its a S84/98 n.A. or S98/05 n.A. bayonet? RLM is a post 1918 unit marking and reads as "R eichs L uftfahrt M inisterium" so the ministry of aviation from the nazi era. This bayonet was used during the nazi era by some unit under the command of the ministry of aviation. Cheers, Vincent.
@@imperialgermanbayonets9244 Thank you. The bayonet is one of those butcher blandes. I can see a «w» and the nummer 15 on the top of the blade. I dont know how to post pictures here…
I have a unit marking on my 1888 Cavalry carbine that nobody seems to know. "9. II." (2 letter i's) then a wide space followed by ".11" It looks like this "9.II. 11." Great video!
Hello. Sadly i cant really help you. I have looked through all my books but coudlnt find anything. My thoughts: Option 1) is a badly stamped "H" or since you are sure that these are two i's, it could be two i's used to look like an H because it was stamped during the great war chaos. Option 2) it had something to do with the second army corps and i just dont know the marking. Are the diffrent letters and numbers stamped according to regulation? Are they the right hights? In the video you can find the correct hights for the numbers for them being stamped within peacetime regulations. With kind regards Vincent
Great video. I have a 1889-dated Weyersberg Kirschbaum SG.84/98 nA bayonet with Type II scabbard. Can you help me identify the unit marking present on both the bayonet and it's scabbard? Both are stamped: L.G.H.E.183.
Fantastic video! Does a non script R.R. always correspond to Rekrutendepot? Looking at a unit mark on a Kar98AZ which reads 2/R.R.15.20, is that potentially an abbreviation for Reiter-Regiment? What significance does the slash instead of a period indicate?
Yes, the non script second R. from an R.R. unit on an imperial german bayonet with imperial era unit marking will stand 99% of the time for Rekrutendepot. In your case the slash indicates Weimar era unit marking and therefore Reiter-Regiment is correct. The Weimar unit marking read a bit diffrent, they had the company/squadron number first. So your unit marking reads as 2. Squadron, Reiter-Regiment 15., weapon no. 20. Cheers, Vincent
Yes, its a navy unit marking. W.W. stands for Werft Wilhelmshaven or naval dockyard wilhelmshaven. 6462 is the inventar number. You can watch my navy unit markings video for more info. Cheers, Vincent.
I’m going to post this a second time because I don’t know if it went through the first. I have a WW2 German police bayonet with stag grips (Maker is WKC). It’s one of the older bayonets with the makers name on one side of the ricasso and the knights head on the other (Stag grips). The bayonet and scabbard have matching regimental markings (S.W.pr.III.7). Are you able to tell me anything about what district or section it’s from? Also, I recently picked up a WW1 M1898 “Quillback” also with matching regimental numbers on the bayonet and scabbard (53.R.8.57)... any info on this one will be much appreciated as well! Thank you!
Yes. I saw your first post for a few seconds but couldnt find it to answer after. So i am no expert an post 1918 weapons with that being said your police bayonet belonged to the "Schutzpolizei" (protection police) of the city of wiesbaden, hessia, District no. 3, weapon no. 7. I have no idea what the pr. should indicate. The S98 bayonet was used with the 53 Infantry regiment. It was Part of the 14. Division and fought at the western front including Verdun and Somme. Cheers, Vincent.
Hallo, ich hoffe dir geht es gut. Danke für deine großartigen Videos. Ich habe vor kurzem ein M1898/05 Seitengewehr gefunden und ich finde einfach nichts über die Truppenstempel heraus.. O.P.M. 184 Weisst du vielleicht welche Einheit das war? LG!
it stands for "l eichte M unnitionskolonne der II. Abteilung des Artillerie-Regiments Nr. 24, Waffe Nr. 77" or in english "light ammunition colomn of the II. Department from the Artillery regiment no 24, weapon no. 77."
Hi Vincent, Thanks for the videos! They are very instructive. I have a couple of items that I'm uncertain as to what the Unit Markings indicate. Maybe you can shed some light on them. The first is an 1873 Uhlan Saber. It is marked 3. G.U. H. 17 (the H is a script letter). I know it is the 3rd Guard Uhlan regiment but instead of a squadron number there is the letter H. I'm guessing it is maybe a Regimental staff unit? The second item is an 1850 cavalry pistol. The marking on the trigger guard reads 9.2.4. 34. There is no letter indicating a unit type. Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for your time and thanks again for the great videos! Cheers Bob R
Dear Bob, thank you very much for your kind words. I am glad that you enjoyed my video! Regarding your unit markings. The Sabre was carried by the "Handwerker-Abteilung" (artisan department) of the 3. Guard Uhlan regiment. These were the smiths or leather workers of the regiment needed to repair lances, saddles and so on. Very rare unit marking. Does your sabre M/73 feature a french blade? The 9.2.4. 34. is a bit tough. I have seen a few of these "numbers only" unit markings on sabres 1811 and pistoles 1850. There are also some with one letter behind the third number which translates to the german word for "pound" like in 4-pounder gun. Therefore it is relativly safe to assume that these markings are linked to field-artillery regiments. In your case this would be the 9th field-artillery regiment, second 4-pounder battery, weapon no. 34. Why some of these early artillery markings feature the old pound symbole and some (like yours) dont, i cant answer. Cheers, Vincent.
Hi there Quintin here from South Africa, first thank you very much for all your videos they are really helpful and educational. I was hoping you could help me with some more details on a G98 First pattern bayonet, Markings 2.F.R.8.131, I assume it is second field regiment 8th Company weapon no 131, possibly Campaign of the Schutztuppe of South West Africa. Further markings W 99. Manufacturer Erfurt. Looking forward to your responce.
Hi Quentin, that sounds like a very nice and rare bayonet. I am afraid i cant really help you with any more information. My best guess for F.R. is Feld-Regiment as well. I think you own a nice early Schutztruppe bayonet. Cheers, Vincent.
I have a sword that has the markings: 1/R.R.12.5. Can you help identify the unit? This is stamped on the scabbard and guard, but 1920 is also stamped on the guard under the unit markings. I also see the markings on the back of the blade where it looks like "16" is stamped, half of the 6 is faded or not fully stamped. From other sources I've determined that to mean 1916. Would that be correct?
I recommend you to watch my video about the artillery sabre since i think (at least wothout any pictures) this is the sword you might have. It will also explain the 16 on the back of the blade. The 1920 stamp means that this sword was used after the imperial era in the early Reichswehr of the Weimar Republic. The unit marking is also not imperial but weimar era. Diffrent to the imperal marking the squadron number came first, then the regiment and individual weapon number. In your case its the first squadron, Reiter-Regiment no. 15, sabre no. 5. Reiter-Regiment were the only kind of cavalry units still in service with the Reichswehr, it simply translates as "rider regiment". Cheers, Vincent.
Hello Luke. Without any pictures this is just an edjucated guess but i think that the P is really a weakly stamped R. Therefore you bayonet was issued to the "4. Schlesisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.157", 11 Company, Weapon number 78. Does this check out? With kind regards, Vincent.
Greetings! Thank you so much for a very detailed and entertaining video on the subject! :D I've seen a (V.C.S-C.G.H) 1883 RR with the unit markings: 45.A.E.1.36.. From what I could guess, means Artillery something something weapen no:36.. It was originally marked: R.(in kursiv)S.3.191. from what I would guess could be the reserve 3rd Sanitätskompagnie weapon no.191.. But I might be totally wrong. I would just love if you would be so kind to share your wisdom on the matter! Also; Is there any way to determine where this unit was stationed or even find a register of the actual soldier wielding it 🤔 Best regards from Norway!
I.S.B.3233 stands for the first See-Bataillon, weapon no. 3233. These naval infantry units were indeed involved in the herer wars. If you are interested you can watch my videos about navy weapons. Cheers, Vincent
I had to look it up but it seems like there is no prussian unit marking for Festungs Artillerie post 1871. I am no expert on artillery units but i remember having read somewhere that the Festungs Artillerie was included in the foot artillery units and therefore had no unit markings. F.A. is most often used for Fernsprech Abteilung.
(Schrift Italic) F+A is Fernsprech. Abteilung, F.A. is Flieger Abt., there are Festungs Pionieren units, but you are right there is no Festungs Artillerie as such...
hello , & thank you for your video , im very happy to have found it - as i just aquired a Bavarian german 1813 - M37 artillery sabre - it is unit marked 4. A. 3. 56 if you can help with reading this marking i will be super grateful - thank you
Hey Ryan, considering that your sabre is bavarian, the unit marking should read as the 4th royal bavarian field artillery regiment, 3rd battery, sabre no. 56. Cheers, Vincent
Greetings: I have one here and it has a reprint of the regulations for markings in Fraktur, so I have to explain to the local collectors what that is and how to read it..Fortunately, my German teachers made me learn to read this !!
@@imperialgermanbayonets9244 Unfortunately not. I was just grabbing the email you provided to send a photo too. I have a unit marking of K.A.R. over E.3.215 on the buttplate. I at least know this is the original buttplate to this rifle as I was lucky to purchase a number matching rifle.
@@DocLeQuack Yes, this unit marking is quite rare and therefore it was not included in the video. "K.A.R. E. 3 215" reads as "Kaiser Alexander Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr. 1, Ersatz-Bataillon, 3. company, weapon no 235." or in english "Emperor Alexander Guard-Grenadier-Regiment no. 1, Ersatz bataillion ..." and so on. The first two guards grenadiers regiment were seen as such an elite regiment or seen as so important that for a short while they used special unit markings like K.A.R. for the first one and K.F.R. for the second regiment. The Kaiser Alexander Garde-Grenadier-Regiment is named after the russian Tsar Alexander and the Kaiser Franz Garde-Grenadier-Regiment is named after the famous austrian emperor.
I was able to identify the Imperial German markings on my M1879 Reichsrevolver as the Uhlan Regiment thanks to your fantastic video.
You helped me Identifying my rifle's regiment, thank you!
12. Reserve-Regiment-Ersatz
Outstanding video!!
Thank you 🙏
I’ve the Prussian 73 and Saxony 73 still searching for my Bavarian example .
This video has been a huge help to me over the years. Thanks!
Also saw your recent replies and am glad you are still around. No new videos since C*VID and I was worried about you.
Recently picked up a Mauser 71 Bayonet scabbard marked VI. G. B. 1. 4. 229 - but I am not sure what the "G.B." is.
Also, you should start a discord server - it would be more efficient for sharing pictures of Imperial German artifacts and we can all help each other translate markings/research.
So glad you posted this. I have a Model 71 Mauser with 17 R 7 30 unit markings. This was so helpful. Hope to learn more about the history of this gun.
Thank you very much for posting this! I just purchased a Gewehr 1888 manufactured in 1891. Regiment 124, Infantry Training Unit(R.E.), Company 4, Weapon 182. From what I read the 124th was based in Weingarten which had a large military base pre WW1. I'd assume a decent amount of training rifles came out of that base.
I Just got an all matching 1876 Mauser 71 unit marking is 19 L.D. 3. 224. can anyone help me find any info on what regiment this was from? Id love to know. thanks.Also has a governors or state marking on the left receiver of an "M" what state would this have been?
That sounds interesting. Could you send me detail pictures of the rifle and the markings? imperialgermanbayonets@gmail.com
I was really happy with this video. Allowed me to identify my 1890 Danzig messer.
I have an old bayonet with markings on the scabbard Ff1266 and on the hilt Cc8337 it`s in perfect condition .How old would this bayonet be and in what regiment was it issued.
Thanks Vincent, most helpful but as you say, lots of variants...I have a sword marked 2.J.R.P.1.75 with 175 stamped on the inside of the scabbard. It had a previous mark peened out. Otto Mertens Solingen dated 97. Any help appreciated. Seems to be Kav. Style? David
Hi David, your sword belonged to the "2nd Jäger-Regiment zu Pferde, 1st squadron, weapon no. 75." The 1 75 is a short variant of the unit marking "1st squadron, weapon no. 75.".
The Jäger zu Pferde (or mounted jaegers) were a type of light cavalry in the late prussian army. In total 14 regiments were raised between 1901 and 1913. Diffrent to other cavalry units they were designed from the start up as scouts and messengers. They wore an intersting mix of uniforms. Some parts of cuirassiers, some dragoon pieces and so on. A cool topic to research.
Cheers, Vincent.
@imperialgermanbayonets9244 Thank you Vincent, that is fantastic information. Would you be able to suggest a first contact point in Germany to turn that 75 into the man this belonged to? Is it likely to be possible?
@@DaveKelly-s6y Sadly not. If those papers had survived WW1 they have most likley been destroyed by the fire storms of WW2. So many documents have been lost between 1918 and 1945, it is more or less impossible to match the "75" to a specific soldier.
@imperialgermanbayonets9244 Thanks Vincent, that's too bad, it would have been nice to get it back home.
Hi There . Nice video
I Would love to find some info on some makings on my Gew 88 . Not sure how to send pictures to you
imperialgermanbayonets@gmai.com
i have a 71/84 with the letters In. 27941. i did'nt see in on the list
Hello Vincent, firstly can I thank you for an excellent informative video and your perfect english! Secondly, I would like your help on two items in my collection. One is a cavalry sabre, which is like the M1811 you show, with markings R.P.17.2 (cursive R) on hilt and scabbard, the other is a SG1884/98 II marked 3.M.G.B.460 18 (B is partially stamped so could be R, maybe even K as top and bottom missing) on the crossguard. Any help you can give would be much appreciated. Thank you.
Thanks for the information! I have a Prussian-captured French Chassepot bayonet with a unit marking stamped onto the guard, it reads: 88.L.II.4.233. What do you think the Roman numeral “II” stood for?
Hi Vincent, thank you for all your videos to date! I have a Bavarian Kar71 marked with 2.R.C. Would be great to find out what the C denotes. I'm also looking at a hirschfanger bayonet marked with G.S.E, so would that be Guard Schutzen Ersatz? Much appreciated!
Hi, you are right with the Hirschfanger. Regarding the unit marking from your K71 i dint know a solution from the top of my head. You can send me a picture. This alwys helps when it comes to unit markings. imperialgermanbayonets@gmail.com
Cheers, Vincent
very great job done!! thank you very much. I have a Blucher Sabel L.A.7.18. : according to the unit markings, it sands for Landwehr or Landsturm Artillerie-Regiment, 7 batallion?
HI - I've an old German sabre - I believe it is a M1852 Prussian Cavalry Sabre. I would really appreciate help on identifying the unit markings (some of which have been stamped out). They are
L.G.H. L. 35 (stamped out)
L35 (stamped out)
11.A.F1.2.H.37 (not stamped out)
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Could you send me some pictures? I may be able to help you. imperialgermanbayonets@gmail.com
Thanks for the great video! Very informative. I just got a M1889 Prussian sword and it has the mark 13 U 4.89 on it. Now I know what that means. The engravings on the sword indicate it is Konig Ulanan Regt. 1 Hanoversc Nr 13 so that matches the 13U part of the code. I guess 4 is the company and 89 is the sword number? I thought 4.89 might have meant it was made in April of 1898.
How about I.M.I.3.98?
I have a seitengewhere 1871 with the totenschtempe G. E(cursive). F. 2. 58 and I was wondering if it’s the staff of the Fuhrpark Kolonne 2nd company
Hi Darrion,
Fuhrpark-Kolonne was a good conclusion but its not the staff of the second company. "G. E.(cursive) F. 2. 58." reads as the "2nd Etappen Fuhrpark-Kolonne of the Gardekorps, weapon no. 58.". Cheers, Vincent.
@@imperialgermanbayonets9244 May I ask what Ettappen means cuz I know Ettappe means like officer/staff
@@darrionsloan923 The translation is hard for me since i dont know the english word for "Etappe". "Etappe" in the old german military described more or less a place behind the own frontline where ammunition, food and other supplies were stored and wounded soldiers and pow's were kept. So an Etappen-Fuhrpark-Kolonne were the guys that organised and did all of the driving between the Gardekorps and their supply and logistic units behind the frontlines.
Thank you for the informative presentation...I need some help with my unit markings on the scabbard of my 1898 2nd model bayonet ( 42.R.R.124).
Thanks for your comment. The unit marking on your scabbard should translte to 42th infantry regiment, recruitment depot, weapon no. 124. Cheers, Vincent.
Excellent video. I have a Prussian Model 1850 cavalry pistol with unit marking 7KEE26 on the trigger guard. Any help on ID most appreciated! I assume the 26 is gun #26 issued to this unit.
Thank you for your kind words. I think i remeber seeing this particular pistole somewhere online or at least a pistole 1850 with simular unit markings. 7 K E E 26 should read as "7. Kürassier-Regiment, Ersatz-Eskadron, Pistole 26." so in egnlish the 7th cuirassier regiment, Ersatz squadron, pistole 26. The Ersatz squadron was the training unit within a prussian cavalry regiment.
Cheers, Vincent.
@@imperialgermanbayonets9244 Thank you so much! Yes, it has been online in a couple places.
Great Video! Im trying to figure out the unit for a dreyse 1860 rifle marked "SSR 2.58" any ideas?
Thanks
Yes. This is one of those early unit markings stamped bore there was any real regulation. "SSR 2. 58." should read as "Sächsisches Schützen-Regiment, 2. Kompanie, Waffe 58." or in english "saxon rifles regiment, 2. company, weapon 58.". This regiment was equipped with the dreyse M/60 in 1867 after saxony joined the prussian military allience. A nice and rare saxon piece. Cheers, Vincent.
Awesome! You rock! Keep up the great work
Hello Vincent thankyou so much for these instructive videos. I am a complete novice on the history and interpretation of these fine weapons, and am beyond excited to present this historical find to my dad for Christmas along with (hopefully) a decent background. I found what was titled as a WW1 German bayonet at a pawn shop. Upon doing some research I found that it was indeed legit, but I'm still missing some details... The inscription on the blade to identify it's unit is a bit "smudged" so to speak and all I can make out clearly is "17.R._._4.
I think that it might be along the lines of "17.R.1.44." but I cannot be certain. What's even more interesting is that the sheath it came with has an entirely different inscription to signify it's unit origins... It reads ""122.R.12.189." I am personally affiliated with the military, but have never used a bayonet. However I do not think that a sheath and bayonet would be mismatched on purpose. Then again, this weapon is over a hundred years old and I could just be spitting mere suspicions. Please let me know what your thoughts are, I'm having such a fun time on this journey through history! Your input has genuinely been most helpful to me.
Hi. I’ve got Mauser 72/84 too. But plate is little a pitted but there is K.A.R. and under that R. 442. - would it be kaiser alexander garde-grenadier-regiment nr. 1 reserve, weapon nr 442??
Yes. You are correct when it comes to the regiment. The "R" indicates a "Rekrutendepot" within the Ersatz-Bataillon. If i understand it correctly the diffrence between the regular Ersatz units and the Rekrutendepots is that the weapons marked to the Ersatz units were given to the voluntairy recruits while the weapons marked to the Rekrutendepots were given to those young men which were drafted in case of war.
Excellent. Thank you very much
I just aquired a 1907 gew98, the bayonet is from 1917 so there are no markings on that but the markings on the stock read "B.15.R.7.60" any idea of what the "B" would mean and how would that read? thanks in advance!
Hey, if the "B" is the first letter it usually indicates "bavarian", which means that this weapon was issued to the bavarian army. The rest of the unit markings then reads as shown in the video. So "B. 15. R. 7. 60." stands for the "bavarian 15th infantry regiment, 7th company, riflle no. 60." Cheers, Vincent.
Hey man, love your videos! I watch them a lot since I started collecting prussian swords and sabers. I have a question about an M1852 saber I just picked up. It has this regiment number: 11.A.F.4.H.48. Do you know what the ‘H’ stands for in this sequence? There is also an older marking readable: L.2.55. 2 other ones are completely illegible.
Thanks and keep making videos! Looking forward to seeing more in depth videos about swords and sabers in particular ;)
Hi,
the "H" in the first unit marking stands for "Haubitzen" or in english "howitzer". Therefore "11.A.F.4.H.48." stands for "footartillery-regiment no. 11, munition-column no. 4 (for howitzers), weapon no. 48.".
Your second unit marking "L.2.55." reads as "2. Lehr-Kompanie der Fußartillerie-Schießschule, Waffe Nr. 55" or in english "2nd training-company of the artillery school, weapon no. 55". A rare unit marking to find!
Cheers, Vincent.
@@imperialgermanbayonets9244
Thanks! I was wondering what it meant. I’m slowly adding to the collection. Newest addition is a KD89 of the 7th Husaren. Looking forward to more of your very informative videos!
ive got a rifle marked 1887 and im not having the best luck with its markings, 24.R.R. 311., thats two normal r's and two seperate lines, the format just doesnt seem entirely right for the marking examples i can find
"R.R." usually stands for recruitment depot (ger. Rekrutendepot) of an infantry regiment. These depots were part of the training facilities of the regiment in case of war.
So "24.R.R. 311." reads as "24th infantry regiment, recruitment depot, rifle no.. 311."
Cheers, Vincent.
Hey I recently purchased a Sword that I havent seen you cover. It has an unit marking of 10 2.L.I.4.128.
Hey. Your unit marking should "translate" as 102. Landwehr-Infantry-Regiment, I. Bataillon, 4. Company, Sword 128. Maybe you could send me some pictures of the markings to imperialgermanbayonets@gmail.com so i can make sure i got this unit marking right. Up to you. Cheers, Vincent.
@@imperialgermanbayonets9244 sent you an email
Is it common for for the unit number to be ground off? I know someone with a po8 luger ww1 with the regimental/unit number has been ground off
Not really common but you can find ground off numbers. This was sometimes done officially if the pistole was issued to another unit and the gunsmith eraised the older and now obsolete unit marking via grinding it out. More often you will find older unit markings simply crossed out or sometime even just stamped over with the newer unit marking.
Thank You ...
I have a Prussian new pattern artillery sword marked R.A.M.K.15.99 any ideas on what that could be?
Thanks!
Hey, it should be "Reserve-Artillerie-Munitionskolonne no. 15, weapon no. 99."
So "reserve artillery ammunition column no. 15, weapon no. 99"
Cheers, Vincent
How did Bavarian unit markings differ from Prussian, if at all? I have the option on a 98/05 m.S but its markings do not seem to line up with any Prussian unit i can find. Seller is informing me that its Bavarian and their unit markings were completely different. I'm completely bemused to be honest. 18.P.1.4
Thanks by the way for the video, hugely informative.
Hello, 18.P.1.4. should be the 18th pioneer bataillon. This also checks out with the 98/05 sawback. But this unit was not bavarian, neither is the unit marking itself. If you want, you can send me pictures. Cheers, Vincent
@@imperialgermanbayonets9244 Hi Vincent, Thanks for the reply. I have sent you some pictures to your email. Regards.
Helle. I have a german bayonet with some markings on it. Is there ant way for you to tell me what they mean? Its stamped RLM.
Hi. I am guessing its a S84/98 n.A. or S98/05 n.A. bayonet? RLM is a post 1918 unit marking and reads as "R eichs L uftfahrt M inisterium" so the ministry of aviation from the nazi era. This bayonet was used during the nazi era by some unit under the command of the ministry of aviation. Cheers, Vincent.
@@imperialgermanbayonets9244 Thank you. The bayonet is one of those butcher blandes. I can see a «w» and the nummer 15 on the top of the blade. I dont know how to post pictures here…
I have a unit marking on my 1888 Cavalry carbine that nobody seems to know. "9. II." (2 letter i's) then a wide space followed by ".11" It looks like this "9.II. 11." Great video!
Hello. Sadly i cant really help you. I have looked through all my books but coudlnt find anything.
My thoughts:
Option 1) is a badly stamped "H" or since you are sure that these are two i's, it could be two i's used to look like an H because it was stamped during the great war chaos.
Option 2) it had something to do with the second army corps and i just dont know the marking.
Are the diffrent letters and numbers stamped according to regulation? Are they the right hights? In the video you can find the correct hights for the numbers for them being stamped within peacetime regulations.
With kind regards
Vincent
@@imperialgermanbayonets9244 Thanks for trying Vincent. I think this will remain a mystery. Great videos btw!
Great video. I have a 1889-dated Weyersberg Kirschbaum SG.84/98 nA bayonet with Type II scabbard. Can you help me identify the unit marking present on both the bayonet and it's scabbard? Both are stamped: L.G.H.E.183.
Hello. It would help a lo if i had a picture of this unit marking. If you would send me some i think i can help you. imperialgermanbayonets@gmail.com
Love ur content.i have a WW2 German Wehrmacht belt buckle with leather tab and it's unit marked the mark is. 3./K.R/17.I any help is appreciated!
Hi. I am no expert on post 1918 unit marking but "3/K.R.17.1." should translate to "3rd squadron, cavalry regiment no. 17, belt buckle no. 1".
@@imperialgermanbayonets9244 thanks bro keep up the hard work
Fantastic video! Does a non script R.R. always correspond to Rekrutendepot? Looking at a unit mark on a Kar98AZ which reads 2/R.R.15.20, is that potentially an abbreviation for Reiter-Regiment? What significance does the slash instead of a period indicate?
Yes, the non script second R. from an R.R. unit on an imperial german bayonet with imperial era unit marking will stand 99% of the time for Rekrutendepot.
In your case the slash indicates Weimar era unit marking and therefore Reiter-Regiment is correct. The Weimar unit marking read a bit diffrent, they had the company/squadron number first. So your unit marking reads as 2. Squadron, Reiter-Regiment 15., weapon no. 20.
Cheers, Vincent
I Have a German Butcher bayonet marked W.W 6462. do you know what unit it is ?
Yes, its a navy unit marking. W.W. stands for Werft Wilhelmshaven or naval dockyard wilhelmshaven. 6462 is the inventar number. You can watch my navy unit markings video for more info. Cheers, Vincent.
@@imperialgermanbayonets9244 thanks Vincent 👍
I’m going to post this a second time because I don’t know if it went through the first.
I have a WW2 German police bayonet with stag grips (Maker is WKC). It’s one of the older bayonets with the makers name on one side of the ricasso and the knights head on the other (Stag grips). The bayonet and scabbard have matching regimental markings (S.W.pr.III.7). Are you able to tell me anything about what district or section it’s from?
Also, I recently picked up a WW1 M1898 “Quillback” also with matching regimental numbers on the bayonet and scabbard (53.R.8.57)... any info on this one will be much appreciated as well! Thank you!
Yes. I saw your first post for a few seconds but couldnt find it to answer after.
So i am no expert an post 1918 weapons with that being said your police bayonet belonged to the "Schutzpolizei" (protection police) of the city of wiesbaden, hessia, District no. 3, weapon no. 7. I have no idea what the pr. should indicate.
The S98 bayonet was used with the 53 Infantry regiment. It was Part of the 14. Division and fought at the western front including Verdun and Somme.
Cheers, Vincent.
Hallo, ich hoffe dir geht es gut. Danke für deine großartigen Videos. Ich habe vor kurzem ein M1898/05 Seitengewehr gefunden und ich finde einfach nichts über die Truppenstempel heraus.. O.P.M. 184
Weisst du vielleicht welche Einheit das war?
LG!
What would I. M. II. 24. 77 unit mark mean?
it stands for "l eichte M unnitionskolonne der II. Abteilung des Artillerie-Regiments Nr. 24, Waffe Nr. 77" or in english "light ammunition colomn of the II. Department from the Artillery regiment no 24, weapon no. 77."
Thank you very much!
Hi Vincent,
Thanks for the videos! They are very instructive. I have a couple of items that I'm uncertain as to what the Unit Markings indicate. Maybe you can shed some light on them. The first is an 1873 Uhlan Saber. It is marked 3. G.U. H. 17 (the H is a script letter). I know it is the 3rd Guard Uhlan regiment but instead of a squadron number there is the letter H. I'm guessing it is maybe a Regimental staff unit?
The second item is an 1850 cavalry pistol. The marking on the trigger guard reads 9.2.4. 34. There is no letter indicating a unit type.
Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for your time and thanks again for the great videos!
Cheers
Bob R
Dear Bob, thank you very much for your kind words. I am glad that you enjoyed my video!
Regarding your unit markings. The Sabre was carried by the "Handwerker-Abteilung" (artisan department) of the 3. Guard Uhlan regiment. These were the smiths or leather workers of the regiment needed to repair lances, saddles and so on. Very rare unit marking. Does your sabre M/73 feature a french blade?
The 9.2.4. 34. is a bit tough. I have seen a few of these "numbers only" unit markings on sabres 1811 and pistoles 1850. There are also some with one letter behind the third number which translates to the german word for "pound" like in 4-pounder gun. Therefore it is relativly safe to assume that these markings are linked to field-artillery regiments. In your case this would be the 9th field-artillery regiment, second 4-pounder battery, weapon no. 34. Why some of these early artillery markings feature the old pound symbole and some (like yours) dont, i cant answer.
Cheers, Vincent.
Hi there Quintin here from South Africa, first thank you very much for all your videos they are really helpful and educational. I was hoping you could help me with some more details on a G98 First pattern bayonet, Markings 2.F.R.8.131, I assume it is second field regiment 8th Company weapon no 131, possibly Campaign of the Schutztuppe of South West Africa. Further markings W 99. Manufacturer Erfurt. Looking forward to your responce.
Hi Quentin, that sounds like a very nice and rare bayonet. I am afraid i cant really help you with any more information. My best guess for F.R. is Feld-Regiment as well. I think you own a nice early Schutztruppe bayonet. Cheers, Vincent.
I have a sword that has the markings: 1/R.R.12.5. Can you help identify the unit? This is stamped on the scabbard and guard, but 1920 is also stamped on the guard under the unit markings. I also see the markings on the back of the blade where it looks like "16" is stamped, half of the 6 is faded or not fully stamped. From other sources I've determined that to mean 1916. Would that be correct?
I recommend you to watch my video about the artillery sabre since i think (at least wothout any pictures) this is the sword you might have. It will also explain the 16 on the back of the blade.
The 1920 stamp means that this sword was used after the imperial era in the early Reichswehr of the Weimar Republic. The unit marking is also not imperial but weimar era. Diffrent to the imperal marking the squadron number came first, then the regiment and individual weapon number. In your case its the first squadron, Reiter-Regiment no. 15, sabre no. 5. Reiter-Regiment were the only kind of cavalry units still in service with the Reichswehr, it simply translates as "rider regiment". Cheers, Vincent.
I have a bayonet 98 new pattern made by Simon & Co Suhl made in 1907 and the unit mark is. 157.P .11.78 could you help with these regiment I.d ?
Hello Luke. Without any pictures this is just an edjucated guess but i think that the P is really a weakly stamped R. Therefore you bayonet was issued to the "4. Schlesisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr.157", 11 Company, Weapon number 78. Does this check out? With kind regards, Vincent.
Fascinating
Greetings!
Thank you so much for a very detailed and entertaining video on the subject! :D I've seen a (V.C.S-C.G.H) 1883 RR with the unit markings: 45.A.E.1.36.. From what I could guess, means Artillery something something weapen no:36.. It was originally marked:
R.(in kursiv)S.3.191. from what I would guess could be the reserve 3rd Sanitätskompagnie weapon no.191..
But I might be totally wrong.
I would just love if you would be so kind to share your wisdom on the matter!
Also; Is there any way to determine where this unit was stationed or even find a register of the actual soldier wielding it 🤔
Best regards from Norway!
i found a bayonet, though it does not belongs to me, with markings I. S. B 3233 from Namibia. Suppose it's from the German/ Herero wars.
I.S.B.3233 stands for the first See-Bataillon, weapon no. 3233. These naval infantry units were indeed involved in the herer wars. If you are interested you can watch my videos about navy weapons. Cheers, Vincent
Great Vincent:):)
Festungs Artillerie?? Is it "F.A." ?
I had to look it up but it seems like there is no prussian unit marking for Festungs Artillerie post 1871. I am no expert on artillery units but i remember having read somewhere that the Festungs Artillerie was included in the foot artillery units and therefore had no unit markings.
F.A. is most often used for Fernsprech Abteilung.
OK, I will check Knoll's buch...
(Schrift Italic) F+A is Fernsprech. Abteilung, F.A. is Flieger Abt., there are Festungs Pionieren units, but you are right there is no Festungs Artillerie as such...
hello , & thank you for your video , im very happy to have found it - as i just aquired a Bavarian german 1813 - M37 artillery sabre - it is unit marked 4. A. 3. 56 if you can help with reading this marking i will be super grateful - thank you
Hey Ryan, considering that your sabre is bavarian, the unit marking should read as the 4th royal bavarian field artillery regiment, 3rd battery, sabre no. 56.
Cheers, Vincent
awesome - good to know, thanks vincent
Jeff Noll's book is useful...
Yes. It seems to be the best book in english about this topic. With kind regards, Vincent
Greetings: I have one here and it has a reprint of the regulations for markings in Fraktur, so I have to explain to the local collectors what that is and how to read it..Fortunately, my German teachers made me learn to read this !!
Meanwhile 3 years later I am here to see if the unit marking on my 71/84 is in this video
So did you find your unit marking in the video?
@@imperialgermanbayonets9244 Unfortunately not. I was just grabbing the email you provided to send a photo too. I have a unit marking of K.A.R. over E.3.215 on the buttplate. I at least know this is the original buttplate to this rifle as I was lucky to purchase a number matching rifle.
@@DocLeQuack Yes, this unit marking is quite rare and therefore it was not included in the video.
"K.A.R. E. 3 215" reads as "Kaiser Alexander Garde-Grenadier-Regiment Nr. 1, Ersatz-Bataillon, 3. company, weapon no 235." or in english "Emperor Alexander Guard-Grenadier-Regiment no. 1, Ersatz bataillion ..." and so on.
The first two guards grenadiers regiment were seen as such an elite regiment or seen as so important that for a short while they used special unit markings like K.A.R. for the first one and K.F.R. for the second regiment. The Kaiser Alexander Garde-Grenadier-Regiment is named after the russian Tsar Alexander and the Kaiser Franz Garde-Grenadier-Regiment is named after the famous austrian emperor.
@@imperialgermanbayonets9244 Thank you very much. Love your content and your contuined help.
B.6.R
4.2
1909 Amberg Kar 98az.
Help a brother out if ya have any information! Appreciate the videos also.