Treasure of the Aztecs (Der Schatz der Azteken)

Treasure of the Aztecs (Der Schatz der Azteken) Original German Theatrical Release Poster Country Germany France Italy Directed by Robert Siodmak Release Date 1965 Language German Studio CCC Film Avala Film Franco London Films Main Cast Character Actor Dr. Karl Sternau Lex Barker Capt. Lazoro Verdoja Rik Battaglia Alfonso di Rodriganda Gérard Barray Josefa Michèle Girardon Rosita Arbellez Alessandra Panaro Karja Theresa Lorca Frank Wilson Kelo Henderson Andreas Hasenpfeffer Ralf Wolter

Treasure of the Aztecs (original German title Der Schatz der Azteken) is a 1965 Eurowestern directed by Robert Siodmak and based on the novel by Karl May. It is the first film of the dilogy, followed by Pyramid of the Sun God (also 1965). The story is set in 1864 during the French-Mexican war. A German adventurer Dr. Karl Sternau (Lex Barker) appears in Mexico and is involved in the affair of ancient Aztec treasure.

The following weapons were used in the film Treasure of the Aztecs (Der Schatz der Azteken):

Revolvers

Enfield No. 2 Mk.I

Heavily anachronistic Enfield No.2 Mk I revolver with custom pearl or ivory grips is Capt. Verdoja's (Rik Battaglia) personal sidearm. In one scene it is hold by Dr. Sternau (Lex Barker).

Enfield No. 2 Mk.I Original configuration with spurred hammer - .38 S&W

Sternau holds Verdoja's revolver.

A closeup of the revolver, used by Capt. Verdoja in the final scene.

Smith & Wesson Military & Police

Equally anarchonistic Smith & Wesson Military & Police revolvers are used by several characters, including Dr. Sternau (Lex Barker) and Count Alfonso di Rodriganda (Gérard Barray).

Smith & Wesson Model M&P Revolver with 5" Barrel - .38 Special

Sternau holds his M&P revolver.

A bandit fires the M&P revolver in the final scene.

Colt Official Police Target

Mexican Army Lt. Potoca (Gustavo Rojo) is armed with a Colt-style revolver with target sights, possibly Colt Official Police Target, also anachronistic for mid-XIX century.

Colt Officer Model Target with 6" barrel - 38 Spl. Manufactured 1937

Potoca holds his revolver during the shootout with bandits.

Another view of the revolver.

Single Action Army

Frank Wilson (Kelo Henderson) carries the Single Action Army-style revolver. It is some modern replica that differs in details from original gun.

Colt Single Action Army with 5.5" barrel known as the "Artillery" model. The most common of the SAA revolvers as it is just the right length. - .45 Long Colt

Wilson holds his revolver.

A more close view of the revolver. Note the lack of the ejector rod.

Wilson, disguised as a French soldier, uses his revolver to break the manacles on Sternau's hands.

Colt 1851 Navy

Colt 1851 Navy revolvers (probably modern replicas) are used by several of Capt. Verdoja's soldiers and bandits.

Colt 1851 Navy - .36 caliber

A soldier at the left holds the Colt Navy while arresting Andreas Hasenpfeffer.

A bandit holds the Colt Navy during the shootout with Lt. Potoca's men.

Unidentified revolvers

During the duel between Count Fernando di Rodriganda (Friedrich von Ledebur) and Count Embarez (Djordje Nenadovic) both hold unknown revolvers.

Fernando di Rodriganda (at the right) holds his revolver while Embarez takes his gun from the box.

In a continuity error in the final scene Capt. Lazoro Verdoja's (Rik Battaglia) Enfield No.2 Mk I switches to a different, unidentified revolver.

Verdoja fires.

Another view of Verdoja's revolver.

Pistols

Percussion Cap Pistol

Andreas Hasenpfeffer (Ralf Wolter) is armed with a single-shot Percussion Cap Pistol. The pistol is seen more close in the second part, resembling Chatellerault Cavalry Model 1833.

Chatellerault Model 1833 Cavalry Pistol - .69 cal

Hasenpfeffer draws the pistol.

The grip is seen.

Muskets

Percussion Cap Carbine

Most Mexican soldiers, armed peasants and bandits carry percussion cap short muskets. These guns resemble 1862 Richmond Carbine but have differently placed barrel bands and the plating on the buttstock, similar to the one seen on Model 1841 Mississippi Rifle.

For comparison: Modern replica of 1862 Richmond Carbine, manufactured by Chiappa Firearms - .58

Mounted soldiers at the left hold percussion cap carbines. The plating on the buttstock can be seen.

A soldier in center holds the carbine. Note the position of barrel bands.

A soldier fires his musket single-hand.

Percussion Cap Musket

Some long-barreled percussion cap muskets are also seen, mostly used by French soldiers. They probably stand for French Minie rifled muskets but it's impossible to identify the exact model of screen guns (though they are doubtless modern replicas).

A Mexican soldier holds the musket.

A French soldier at the left carries the musket.

A French soldier holds the musket that is fitted with oversized prop bayonet.

Two French soldiers with muskets, fitted with typical French "épée" bayonets of 1886 pattern.

Trivia

A Napoleonic-style cannon is seen in Juarez' field camp.

The cannon under the Mexican banner.