The collections of the German Historical Museum

Historical weapons represent the classical holdings of the Militaria Collection. They are the technical, cultural, and military historical basis for all the other collections. The collection holds a number of complete developments of certain types of weapons from the 5th century to World War I. The focus is clearly on objects from the history of Germany, but always seen with regard to the production of weapons in other European countries. There are only a few items from non-European nations.

The collection of weapons is divided in to two groups: cutting and stabbing weapons and hand guns. The longest period of time within the Militaria Collection is covered by swords which stand out because of their exceptional abundance and diversity. The holdings of medieval swords is succeeded by cutting and stabbing weapons from the 16th and 17th centuries. In this section weapons from German, Spanish, and Italian blacksmith's workshops can be found along with those made especially for war purposes. Numerous de luxe weapons combine different ornamenting techniques and artistic designs. Some of the pieces are copies of famous artists and etchers. Here, the so-called Wallenstein Rapier is the most famous piece among the personal weapons.

Cutting and stabbing weapons from the 18th and early 19th centuries illustrate the traditional focus of the collection on Brandenburg/Prussia. Numerous pieces from different types of weapons from the German territorial states and other European countries represent the variety of military equipment during the 19th century. Individual pieces, like two sabers of the Vienna National Guard, are witnesses of the revolutionary events in 1848. Prussian, Austrian, and French types document the following Wars of German Unification. Bayonets, ballock daggers, and other objects exemplify the use of swords during World War I. Among the outstanding items are personal weapons of the representatives of the House of Hohenzollern and other high-ranking officers.

There are about 1,000 staff weapons from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Along with de luxe guards' weapons numerous military objects can be found in this section which originate mainly from Brandenburg/Prussia.

The holdings of hand guns / firearms date back to the end of the 15th century. In spite of some losses owing to different wars, about 4,500 civil and military objects are still available.
Among the outstanding individual pieces from the 16th century are, for example, a wheel-lock pistols owned by the war colonel Andreas Teuffel von Gundersdorf (1556) and a wheel-lock rifle with breech-loader system, which was manufactured in Augsburg or Nuremberg in 1540. The latter belonged to a stock of evacuated pieces which are now exhibited at the Jagdschloß Grunewald in Berlin. Also pretty extensive are the holdings of match-lock and flint-lock weapons. For the military weapons' section mainly pieces from old Prussia and France are to the fore. A number of de luxe flint-lock rifles give an idea of the use of forms during the baroque period.

There are percussion weapons on hold, including army rifles altered into breech-loaders, originating from the different German territorial states. The great number of hunting and sports weapons with percussion ignition stand out because of high workmanship.

The collection of experimental models for needle-guns reaching from the oldest muzzle-loader to the latest model by Fritz v. Dreyse is of special military importance. Along with the infantry needle-guns there can be found army breech-loaders of the systems of Wänzel, Werndl, and Chassepot. The different models of repeating rifles of German, French, English, and American origin document the rapid development of military technology. A small number of self-loaders and semi-automatic firearms illustrate the development of weapons after 1945.

The collection of artillery has suffered heavy losses. Only about 120 bronze and iron gun barrels from the 15th to the 19th centuries are on hold. De luxe hunting crossbows complete the collection.

Have a look at the archive.