gunsmith
Waffenmeister is a historical name for lower military officials in Germany . In the German field artillery , the weapon masters had to keep the gun material in good condition. They were responsible for the functionality of the weapons and had to repair minor damage. In the infantry they were u. a. responsible for stamping the rifles .
The term is already known from the 14th century and was used in official documents at the beginning of the 20th century . Unofficially, it is still widely used today, especially in relation to handgun makers , although the profession of maker and operator has separated at some point in history. Before this separation, gunsmiths and cannon founders also belonged to the gunsmiths. These had originally emerged from the bell founders , as both were made of bronze and required similar skills. As with the bells, there were also decorations and signatures on the guns. Until the times of Charles the Bold and Maximilian I , when the first division into different classes took place, every weapon master built his own guns. In addition to the guns, the weapon master also had to produce his own powder . Once made, the powder was moistened with water to prevent explosion.
The place of work of the gunsmith or armorer was, next to the armory , the field where the fighting took place.
In addition to the manufacture, the operation of the weapons was also a matter for the weapons master. Initially, the ignition was carried out with a loose iron , later with a fuse (wick soaked in saltpeter solution and dried). The fuse rod was considered a status symbol for the armorer.
Both the manufacture and the use of the weapons were developed further exclusively through empirical experience, whereby professional secrecy was of great importance. Even under Maximilian, an apprentice had to swear not to reveal anything about production and operation.
The armorer usually had three to four servants under him, who gave him a hand.
Often the tasks were further subdivided. While the gunsmith had to take care of the technical components, the piece master was responsible for the tactical and organizational area.
Privileges
This profession was also associated with many privileges. If a place was taken, both the bells and the contents of the armory and powder magazine went to the armorer.
Written warranted privileges result from an article letter from Charles V from 1544. There it is regulated that the armorer's family could ride on the ball cart . It was also regulated there that he should be given preference when buying alcohol and food in the camp and when serving food.
today
In the Austrian Armed Forces , the term is still used today as a job title. The "Champion" is for the weapons and the equipment of this company responsible corporal. In the German Federal Armed Forces , the service designation for this activity is “weapons and equipment warden” (WuG). The rank goes up to staff sergeant .
Even in sport shooting , the person responsible for the weapons in the armory or in fencing ( sword , foil, etc.) is often still called the “weapon master” today.
The supervision of weapons on the film set as well as in the theater and stage area still falls under the duties of the weapon master. The term refers to the person whose responsibility this is on a film set. The briefing and training of the actors in handling weapons is also part of his area of responsibility. According to an ordinance of the professional association, an expert armorer must be appointed. Specialists are z. B. Gunsmiths or technical employees on stages and in theaters with corresponding additional training (armorer training / armorer course with a state or state-recognized course provider in accordance with the Weapons Act). The weapons masters have the appropriate permits in accordance with the Weapons Act .