Massive Hewer ?

Jim McDougall · 3rd August 2024, 04:42 AM

Thanks for asking Drac. Its entirely possible in degree that it might have belonged to the auxiliary units in the third quarter 18th c. and into the Napoleonic period in Europe which were modeled on the pandour concept.

These irregular forces were assembled in European armies to operate independently of line regiments in reconnaissance, skirmishing, etc. and followed loosely the pandur conventions of oriental style dress, and weaponry.

The pandours were irregular units made up mostly of Balkan border guards from Croatia and other Balkan states along with Hungarian forces who fought in the War of Austrian Succession for Maria Theresa. While effective for a time assisting Austro-Hungarian forces, their fearsome depredations became so outlandish the pandur forces were disbanded, and their founder and commander Baron Franz von Trenck was imprisoned.

However, their notorious reputation became well known, and as noted, other European countries formed similar units such as the Freikorps.
The pandur theme became popular and images of pandur soldiers and Vivat Pandur inscriptions began to appear on various edged weapons, most notably plug bayonets and hunting weapons.

As these units were charged also with foraging and of course hunting, of course this could well be deemed of the 'exotic' type weaponry used by these type forces. I would point out that the pandur forces were not only cavalry but guerrilla type foot forces, so this type sidearm would be possibly of a form used.
Its a fascinating piece, and highly plausible it could be of that context.

3rd August 2024, 04:42 AM	#8
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,896	Thanks for asking Drac. Its entirely possible in degree that it might have belonged to the auxiliary units in the third quarter 18th c. and into the Napoleonic period in Europe which were modeled on the pandour concept. These irregular forces were assembled in European armies to operate independently of line regiments in reconnaissance, skirmishing, etc. and followed loosely the pandur conventions of oriental style dress, and weaponry. The pandours were irregular units made up mostly of Balkan border guards from Croatia and other Balkan states along with Hungarian forces who fought in the War of Austrian Succession for Maria Theresa. While effective for a time assisting Austro-Hungarian forces, their fearsome depredations became so outlandish the pandur forces were disbanded, and their founder and commander Baron Franz von Trenck was imprisoned. However, their notorious reputation became well known, and as noted, other European countries formed similar units such as the Freikorps. The pandur theme became popular and images of pandur soldiers and Vivat Pandur inscriptions began to appear on various edged weapons, most notably plug bayonets and hunting weapons. As these units were charged also with foraging and of course hunting, of course this could well be deemed of the 'exotic' type weaponry used by these type forces. I would point out that the pandur forces were not only cavalry but guerrilla type foot forces, so this type sidearm would be possibly of a form used. Its a fascinating piece, and highly plausible it could be of that context.