All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

All Quiet on the Western Front is the 1930 film adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque's antiwar novel. The World War I film 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

German soldiers armed with Mauser Gewehr 1898 rifles march in a parade before being sent to the front.

Recruits drill with the rifles.

Paul Baumer (Lew Ayres) and several other recruits march on the parade ground.

Stanislaus Katczinsky (Louis Wolheim) carries a slung Mauser Gewehr 1898.

Paul aims his Gewehr at charging French soldiers.

Corporal Himmelstoss (John Wray) charges across No-Man's Land, bayonet fixed.

A German sniper picks off targets with his Gewehr 1898.

Paul sits in a bunker, Mauser rifle propped through the aiming hole.

Berthier Model 1907-15

French soldiers use the Berthier Model 1907-15 rifle, fitted with bayonets.

Berthier Model 1907-15 - 8 x 50R mm Lebel

A French soldier with a slung Berthier Model 1907-15.

A wounded French soldier lies next to his Berthier.

Unknown Sniper Rifle

A French sniper uses an unknown sniper rifle at the end of the movie.

A French soldier aims an unknown sniper rifle.

The sniper prepares to fire.

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

German soldiers ready a Maxim MG08 during the French charge.

Another crew sight in their Maxim.

A German gunner mows down targets with his Maxim.

The German machine gun crew displace when the French soldiers reach the trenches.

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 given the French - British alliance.

Vickers Mk1 Machine Gun - .303 British

A French machine gun crew gun down German counter attackers with the Vickers.

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.

A German officer draws his Luger P08 in preparation for the French attack.

The German officer (foreground right) aims his Luger.

Grenades

Mills Bomb

Stanislaus Katczinsky (Louis Wolheim) silences a French machine gun nest with a Mills Bomb.

Mills Bomb

A Mills Bomb can be seen in the hands of Stanislaus Katczinsky (Louis Wolheim)

National Film Registry