The collections of the German Historical Museum

The Collection Militaria of the German Historical Museum has a long tradition, which is in manifold ways associated with the history of the Zeughaus building.

The collection of the Zeughaus originated from the holdings of the arsenals and armories of the Brandenburg rulers. Between 1706 and 1878 the Zeughaus building was used as an arsenal for the Prussian state. After many renovations its interior was rearranged in the 19th century to serve as an Army Museum. Despite heavy losses during World War II and the postwar era, the collection of the Zeughaus is still one of the best among European Museums.

The Collection Militaria comprises historical weapons, armors, uniforms, flags, medals, decorations, as well as military graphics and prints. German history from the Middle Ages to World War I constitutes its center. Numerous objects prove the diverse connections between the German history and the history of Europe. Standard weapons that were used by different armies in the wars of the 19th and 20th centuries have also found their way into the museum's collection.

Medieval and early modern weapons and armors are of the highest quality. Unique are, for example, two princely "Spangenhelme" from the 6th century, and the oldest great helmet that exists in a collection (13th century), as well as other very rare helmets and pieces of armor.

Only a few museums are able to present the development of certain types of weapons over a period of several centuries. The German Historical Museum's substantial holdings amount to over 5,000 cutting and stabbing weapons and approximately 3,500 hand guns, dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries. They reveal the relationship between military objects and the history of technology, military, and art. For example, the experimental models for the "Zündnadelgewehre" from the bequest of Nikolaus and Franz Dreyse are a splendid source for the history of weapon technology.

In addition to the impressive collection of valuable single objects, the preservation of common wartime weaponry and weapons for daily purposes is also exceptional. Weapons decorated and ornamented according to the plans of Albrecht Dürer, Sebald Beham, Andreas Schlüter, and other artists are art objects in their own right. Along with the typical mass manufactured weapons, the collection also maintains numerous special models and prototypes of the weapon production. Highlights are the personal weapons of famous European rulers and army commanders. Many old weapons come from the known centers of weapon production of various countries and bear the names of famous armorers.

Due to the specific nature of the collection, it is an important information center of the history of weapons and uniforms for other museums and private collections in the world. Thus, sub-sections have been established that may be used for scientific and research purposes.

Have a look at the archive.