Suhl: Center of German craft of weapons
- Suhl about 1750
The city Suhl is located at the south-west slope of the forest of Thuringia. About 600 years ago, it became center of the production of weapons for protection and defiance, and about 500 years ago, for hand guns as well. Why did this happen in Suhl?
The surrounding mountains provided for the iron ore as did the forests wood for the smelting furnaces, water power for the blowers of the furnaces, blacksmith hammers and grinding mills. The diligence of the local people added to that, as well as short routes of transport to important trade centers. All in all, the preconditions were favorable.
- workshop about 1880
Many skilled craftsmen emigrated from other weapon centers to Suhl, founded families there, settled down. They brought with them power, experience and creativity - and the profession was passed on from father to son for many generations.
The products became more and more perfect, artistically demanding. Rivalry created competition.
- seals of guilds
Various specialized professions originated there: Platners, pipe smiths, engravers, gunsmiths and others. The immense specialization of the gunsmith craft at Suhl took place in impressive concentration within an extremely small territory. The whole town of Suhl was one single gun factory. It became the worlds leading center of private weapon production.
- interior view of side locks
Finest craft was performed, as weapons from Suhl still proof today in various art museums.
Thus, it is not amazing that connoisseurs and enthusiasts from all over the world collect hunting weapons from Suhl to enjoy a masterly crafted piece of cultural assets.
