All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

All Quiet on the Western Front is the classic adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque's antiwar novel. It stars Lew Ayres as Paul Baumer, an idealistic young schoolboy who goes to war with the rest of his class on the urgings of a patriotic teacher. In the trenches, however, they are quickly disillusioned when confronted with the horrors of war. The following weapons were used in the film All Quiet on the Western Front (1930):

Rifles

Mauser Gewehr 1898

The German soldiers in the film, most noticeably Paul Baumer (Lew Ayres), use the Mauser Gewehr 1898, the standard-issue firearm for German forces in World War One. It is good to see authentic Gewehr 1898 rifles in a World War One film, rather then the Turkish or Czech Mausers that often stand in for them. This is likely due to production taking place shortly after the war itself.

Mauser Gewehr 1898 - 7.92x57mm Mauser

Machine Guns

Maxim MG08

The Maxim MG08 is used by German soldiers in defense of the trenches during the French assault. It is seen manned by three crewman - the gunner and two assistants whom "feed" the belt.

Maxim MG08 on 'sledge' mount - 7.92x57mm Mauser

Vickers Mk1

French soldiers repelling the German counterattack use a Vickers Mk1 Machine Gun before being killed by a grenade. It is interesting to see French soldiers using the Vickers, rather then the standard issue Hotchkiss M1914, but it is not impossible.

Vickers Mk1 Machine Gun - .303 British

Sidearms

Luger P08

The Luger P08 is seen briefly used by a German officer during the French attack.

Luger P08 - 9x19mm. This is a 1917 dated handgun, thus it is a World War One firearm.