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The weapons of the Norwegian farmer(1600-1850)
The farmer as a hunter
In the age of the natural household, hunting, trapping and fishing was an important part of the farmers' livelihood. Meat from wild animals was important as stored food while leather and furs were used for clothing and equipment,
Both could also be sold or traded for money or other important items.
The weapon was an important and natural part of the farmers everyday life. Protecting their livestock and hunting predatory animals was also a part of many farmers life.
The farmer as a soldier
The free Norwegian farmers' familiarity with the use of weapons made them a valuable military asset. From the beginning of the 17th century they were imposed by royal authority to serve as soldiers. Every farmer had the duty to keep and maintain their own weapons which their role as soldiers and militia demanded. Their weapons were controlled annually to make sure they were capable. One famous incident where the Norwegian farmer militia were mobilized was in the Battle of Kringen in 1612, were Scottish mercenaries who were marching through Norway to reach Sweden were massacred in an ambush attack by the farmer militia.
The farmer as a gunsmith
The gunsmiths in the rural regions were often farmers who also were proficient blacksmiths who assembled, repaired and rebuild guns. Few made the whole weapon itself but often bought the barrel and locks from local markets or rebuild old military weapons for civilian use.
Guns:
Gun powder horns:
War axe:
Spear:
Crossbow:
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Originally Posted by Graham
Северна Македонија
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