Known variously as "Mensur scars", "the bragging scar", "smite", "Schmitte", or "Renommierschmiss", dueling scars were popular amongst upper class Germans and Austrians involved in academic fencing at the start of the 20th century.

Academic fencing (German: akademisches Fechten) or Mensur is the traditional kind of fencing practiced by some student corporations (Studentenverbindungen) in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Latvia, Estonia, and, to a minor extent, in Belgium, Lithuania, and Poland.

Oct 28, 2022 · The Nazi state had recognized that academic fencing was an integral part of the independently-minded Studentenverbindung, or fraternities, which still existed during the 1930s. The Nazis viewed these fraternities to be representative of the previous government and wanted to disband them.

Apr 19, 2024 · Originating from the German term Mensurfechten, which translates to fencing in confined spaces, this practice involved duelists equipped with protective gear such as metallic netted eyepieces, leather chest guards, and thick scarves for neck protection.

Jan 10, 2023 · So there might be a misunderstanding here, as there was never a ban of fencing in Germany under the Nazis. Prior to the war, sport was one of the focuses of the Nazis for promotion of their racial superiority, and fencing was one of those sports.

Dec 26, 2017 · Male (upper class) students who were members of fraternities of major German and Austrian universities during this time were often engaged in academic fencing which at times would, at times, become a duel between competing fraternities.

Oct 21, 2024 · By World War I, historians estimate over a quarter of the German Imperial Army‘s career officers bore scars from academic fencing. Incidences likely peaked just before the Nazi Party crackdown later in the 1930s.

Feb 18, 2015 · In a Mensur bout, fencers display their valor through stoic endurance of an opponent’s blows. From the 19th century on, the practice flourished across Europe, before quickly declining after World...

Feb 25, 2022 · The scar was earned when he was a student in the University of Vienna, where he engaged in academic fencing called mensur. Like many of his Nazi compatriots, Skorzeny wore the scar proudly as a badge of honor and sign of one’s character and social status.

Delve into the traditions of the mensur, an academic fencing duel unique to German universities, and the menur schlager, the blade that left its mark on generations. Learn about the role of these...