Mapping the Marxbrüder

A Data-Driven Study of Occupations, Origins, and Social Space (c. 1500–1700)

All data compilation, transcription, and analysis in this article are © Kilian Theil (2026), released under CC BY‑NC-SA 4.0. Please attribute when using this work.

For several centuries, the Marxbrüder shaped the martial culture of the Holy Roman Empire. Yet despite their prominence, our understanding of who these fencers were, where they came from, and how they moved through the social and urban spaces of their time has remained surprisingly fragmentary. Much of the existing narrative rests on scattered references, partial transcriptions, and long-standing assumptions – some of which prove far less secure when examined closely.

This study offers the first comprehensive reconstruction of the Marxbrüder across their entire documented tenure. Drawing on both the well-known Medel Fechtbuch and a second, largely overlooked Frankfurt chronicle covering 1583–1716, I assembled the most complete dataset of Marxbrüder masters to date: 363 individuals, their occupations, hometowns, and documented activities. This combined source base allows us, for the first time, to trace long-term demographic patterns, occupational clusters, geographic centers, and the shifting social profile of the brotherhood.

Part I maps the people – using data science to test claims about guild affiliations, regional origins, and the rise and decline of the Marxbrüder over time. Part II turns from numbers to places, examining the physical and symbolic spaces in which the brotherhood appeared, gathered, and were remembered. As we will see, several sites long associated with the Marxbrüder rest on surprisingly shaky ground, while others – such as the Krachbein and the Schelmengarten – emerge with new clarity.

Together, these two perspectives reveal a far more nuanced picture of the Marxbrüder: not merely a fencing society, but a mobile, socially diverse, and regionally interconnected network whose presence shaped both the demographic fabric and the urban memory of early modern Frankfurt.

Part I – Mapping People: Creating and Analyzing the Most Comprehensive Marxbrüder Dataset to Date 📊

The Red Record Book of the Marxbrüder (1583–1716)

Central to this study is the Red Record Book, the Marxbrüder’s continuous register of masters and captains from 1583 to 1716. It lies at Institut für Stadtgeschichte (ISG) Frankfurt under signature H.18.02 (Marxbrüder und Federfechter: Urkunden und Akten des Rates) Nr. 13.

Before turning to the manuscript itself, it is worth noting the limited prior scholarship on this source. Sabine Kindel’s lecture1 “Die Marxbrüder – Spuren des fechtenden Handwerks in Frankfurt a. M.” provides the first structured overview of the Red Record Book and introduces a foundational sociodemographic analysis. Prior to her, Peter Maar’s 1961 diploma thesis examined roughly ten percent of the entries, focusing on masters from Nuremberg.2 The present study builds on these contributions by offering the first complete transcription and quantitative evaluation of the entire manuscript.

Front and back view of the Red Record Book.3

The volume is bound in a reddish–orange cover (hence the name), measures 15 × 21 × 1.7 cm, and weighs about 300 g. In addition to 36 written folios4 (72 pages), it includes 39 blank folios at the end. Notably, the entries end in 1716 although the manuscript provides considerable unused space, suggesting that the brotherhood’s orderly administrative activity came to an end in that year.5

The book records all masters and captains of the Marxbrüder from 1583 to 1716 and is written in several hands using the typical cursive of early modern German manuscripts. My full transcription of this source is contained in the Appendix.

In total, the book lists 254 masters and captains (roughly two per year), along with their occupation, hometown, and – where applicable – citizenship. Extracting these, together with the 109 masters and captains recorded in Cod.I.6.2º.5, yields a corpus of 363 Marxbrüder.6 An Excel file with Readme is included in the Appendix.

Mapping Occupations: What jobs did the Marxbrüder have?

To understand the social profile of the Marxbrüder, I extracted occupational information for all masters for whom such data is available. This yields 283 individuals between 1530 and 1680 – the longest continuous period covered by the sources. For clarity, I aggregated occupations into seven broad categories and grouped the data by decade.

The resulting stacked area plot shows, for each decade, how many newly admitted masters of the sword belonged to each occuptional group.

Across the entire period, furriers dominate by a wide margin, followed by bakers (including confectioners and gingerbread makers) and textile workers. Metalworkers, food‑related trades, and building professions appear in smaller but steady numbers, while a long tail of rare occupations forms the “Other” category.

Before turning to the broader implications, it is worth recalling how earlier scholarship characterized the Marxbrüder’s occupational profile. The 1894 Fechtbüchlein – a popular‑scientific work on German fencing brotherhoods – offered a strikingly specific list of “typical” Marxbrüder and Federfechter trades:7

  • Marxbrüder: bakers, furriers, file cutters, hammer smiths, passamenterie makers, red‑metal casters, bell makers, saw smiths, potters, and cloth makers;
  • Federfechter: wire drawers, wood turners, dyers, fire‑wall masons, goldsmiths, girdlers, tinsmiths, knife smiths, needle‑makers, locksmiths, and pewter casters.

Both groups allegedly also included princely servants, guardsmen, and hunters. If this sounds suspiciously precise, you are not alone. The authors cite no sources, and none have been identified since. That said, early modern craft specialization was indeed remarkably granular, with niche trades – such as “Nestler,” specialized producers of leather laces – flourishing in urban centers. With the complete dataset now available, we can finally test these assertions. As it turns out, the broad tendencies (furriers, bakers, clothmakers) are indeed correct, while the more granular claims do not hold up.

To give a sense of the socio‑economic world behind these categories, it is helpful to look briefly at contemporary depictions of the dominant trades:

A 1567 copper engraving of furriers at work. They produced all kinds of fur clothing (e.g., coats and fur-lined gowns), headgear, and other accessories. Fur was both a luxury material and essential protection during the colder months.8
A baker at his oven,9 wearing just an apron due to the heat. Bakers produced a full assortment of bread (e.g., wheat, rye, grains), rolls, pretzels, flatbread, and pancakes – especially for feasts like Easter. There also were more specialized artisans focusing on higher-quality fine pastries, honey cakes, and gingerbread.
Weaver at the loom.10 Weavers produced linen cloth, barchent (a cotton-linen blend), fine fabrics and all kinds of patterned cloth – they also made tablecloths, towels, bed sheets. The dataset exhibits a large differentiation of cloth producers, with most being wool cloth makers and linen weavers.

These results also echo the broader tendencies noted by Sabine Kindel,11 even if the absolute figures diverge in certain details. Her work established the foundations of the occupational distribution; working from a complete transcription here refines those figures while still confirming the same overarching tendencies: furriers predominate, followed by bakers and textile workers.

Turning back to the plot, the pronounced spike around 1610 reveals another interesting finding: the Marxbrüder appear to have reached their numerical peak in the early seventeenth century, with around sixty new masters in that decade. Thereafter, the numbers decline sharply, dropping to fewer than twenty in the following decade – a decrease of roughly two thirds. This coincides with the first imperial privilege granted to the competing Federfechter in 1607. My working hypothesis is that the rival fencers attracted many who otherwise would have joined the former monopolists, the Marxbrüder.

It would therefore be illuminating to conduct a similar analysis for the Federfechter (if comparable chronicles survive, perhaps in Prague) and overlay both plots. If the hypothesis holds, the Federfechter curve should mirror the Marxbrüder’s: relatively low numbers before 1610, followed by a rapid rise thereafter.

To summarize: How correct was the Fechtbüchlein regarding predominant Marxbrüder crafts? Considering the lack of sources available to its authors, surprisingly so. They correctly identified furriers, bakers, and clothmakers as major groups. The rest of their list, however, is too granular to be meaningful and finds no support in the primary evidence.

Mapping Places: Where did the Marxbrüder come from?

Besides occupations, the data also reveals the geographic heritage of the Marxbrüder. It is conventional wisdom that most of these fencers came from what is now southern and central Germany, but we’ll see in a bit that there are many more remarkable (and perhaps surprising) geographic centers. In conjunction with the prior analysis, we can also observe interesting shifts over the centuries.12

Restricting the sample to just those masters with available origin (hometown or citizenship) information yields 318 individuals. Ranking top-places of origins with at least five masters yields the following distribution:

Nuremberg dominated by far (33 masters or about 10%), followed with some distance by Straßburg, Königsberg, and Danzig, each with 9 masters.

To get a better spatial feel of Marxbrüder spread across central Europe, I used Python to create four interactive maps along the four semicenturies in the sample (1500–1549 up to 1650–1699). The resulting interactive maps are shown below. Of course, overlaying modern borders onto early modern mobility is anachronistic, but it helps visualize the general geographic spread.

You can move around the map freely using touch or mouse, and hover over the colorful circles to see how many masters came from each place – revealing the exact count and the town name as it appears in the source (and today’s local-language names in brackets for orientation). Zooming in and out is also possible whenever you want a closer look.

1500–1549: Origins of Marxbrüder Masters

1550–1599: Origins of Marxbrüder Masters

1600–1649: Origins of Marxbrüder Masters

1650–1699: Origins of Marxbrüder Masters

Coinciding with the occupational analysis, we observe an increase in geographic spread up to the period 1600–1649, and a sharp decline afterwards. So, perhaps not surprisingly, the growth in numbers was also accompanied by a larger distribution throughout central Europe.

While Nuremberg, the massive yellow circle, is again dominating by far, other notable centers include: the Rhine–Main region, Upper Bavaria, Saxony, Prussia, Silesia, and Bohemia.

The total area covered extends from Hamburg in the north down to Villach in Carinthia (Austria) in the south, and from Saint Vith (Belgium) in the west across to Riga in the east. Therefore, while southern Germany was a dominant Marxbrüder center, the data exhibits far more variance and spread across locations than at least I had initially assumed.

It would be fruitful to view this distribution not only geographically, but also through the lens of confessional boundaries and the competing networks of Marxbrüder and Federfechter that shaped these regional clusters.

Selected Figures and Fechtschule Episodes

Before turning to the spatial dimension of Marxbrüder activity in Frankfurt, it is worth to highlight several qualitative insights from the Red Record Book. These individual cases illuminate the lived realities behind the dataset and offer a glimpse into the personalities, events, and occasional dramas that shaped the brotherhood’s history.

  • Melchior Gaißmann, a Nuremberg locksmith13 whose beautiful epitaph featuring the Marxbrüder arms can still be visited,14 acts as captain of the brotherhood in 1583.15
  • From 1586 to 1593, masters of the sword were publicly appointed in the Krachbein, an inn in Frankfurt16 – a location we’ll discuss in more depth toward the end of the article.
  • An exception to this is Georg Faul of Nördlingen: In 1587, at 21 years of age, he was made master in the Schelmengarten,17 a site likely associated with dishonorable burials behind the Dominican monastery.18 Beyond baking and fencing, Faul also appears to have been a brewer who introduced brown beer to Nördlingen from Nuremberg.19 His epitaph, created in 1621, was still recorded in St. George’s Church in the early twentieth century,20 though it remains uncertain whether it survived the destruction of the Second World War and the organ fire of 1971.
    👉 If you happen to be in or near Nördlingen: I would be genuinely grateful if you could check whether Georg Faul’s epitaph is still in St George’s.
  • Paulus Reuter, a Nuremberg carpenter made master 1589,21 is very likely the same person that accidentally killed a goldsmith journeyman during a Fechtschule in Frankfurt in that same year.22 One year later, in 1590, he was again involved in a fatal incident: during a Fechtschule in Nuremberg, he unintentionally killed the dyer Hermann Mayer. As a consequence, he was imprisoned and subsequently banned from both fencing and visiting inns within the city.23
  • Klaus Rindfleisch, captain of the brotherhood from 1596 to his death in 1602,24 was something of a local celebrity – at least, he prominently appears in Mangold’s Marckschiff, a 1596 song about the Frankfurt trade fair.25 This overlapping source is interesting because it not only features a period account of a Marxbrüder Fechtschule – heralded by drums and pipes – but also confirms several masters in the dataset: There is a tall “von Cöln” among the leaders, likely referring to 1594 captain Christian Gülich von Köln. Moreover, an old white-haired fencer with a patched-up head called “der Altreiss” could be Konrad Friedwach, who became master in 1584 and made masters in the captain’s stead 1589–1591.26
  • The cover of the Marckschiff features a horse-drawn barge – the eponymous “market ship” used by trade fair visitors from Mainz. From the dataset, we can assume Ludwig Stoll (1532), Sigmund Mair (1539), furrier Jerg von Erdingen (1548), and blacksmith Sigmund Schamberger (1548) likely took this route.
The “Marktschiff,” a horse-drawn barge,27 offered one of the most popular routes from Mainz to the Frankfurt trade fair. As the vessel made its way upstream along the Main, horses hauled it for a small additional fee. From the 16th century onward, the barge departed Mainz daily at 7 a.m., reaching Frankfurt between 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the afternoon, its arrival heralded by a trumpet call from St. Nikolai’s church. During the fair seasons, the ship’s full capacity – up to 200 people – was likely reached, while additional moored boats served as floating storage for the goods destined for the fair.28
  • I found another epitaph for Konrad Wischeckel, a furrier from Nuremberg that acted as proxy from 1603 to 1606.29 This one is located on St. John’s Cemetery in Nuremberg, tomb number 855.30
  • In 1612, two Trabanten (i.e., bodyguards) become masters at the election day of Emperor Matthias.31 This is not only significant because of the occasion, but also as – to my knowledge – the only other known Trabant joining the brotherhood was Onofrius Sokh.32
  • In 1613, the furrier Bartholomäus Eckhart from Breslau fails his first attempt for the master examination because he struck “bloodthirstily” and the Federfechter didn’t want to let him pass.33
  • The famous German fencing master Wilhelm Kreußler, who is often cited to have become a master of the sword in 1618 is not contained in the records (neither in that nor any other year), adding further evidence that his supposed mastership is likely apocryphal.34
    Interestingly, not a single master is made in that year – perhaps due to the onset of the Thirty Years’ War. This mirrors the documentary gap during the Frankfurt guild uprising some 100 years earlier. Although Frankfurt itself was not a battleground and the trade fair apparently took place,35 the political climate was intense, and it is likely that the council did not approve a large public gathering of armed men.36
  • The following year, the baker Hans Rambisch from Bamberg injures an opponent and thus must repeat the examination.37
  • Furrier Michael Lembke from Preußisch Holland (Pasłęk) becomes a master in 1625, and captain the next year.38 Several master’s certificates issued by Lembke are stored at ISG Frankfurt.39
  • In 1666, Martin Kähl – familiar to us from this article – becomes master and later captain.40 He too left us several documents in Frankfurt.41
  • Three years later, Georg Zwickel from Nuremberg becomes master. Just like Kähl, a copper engraving with his portrait features the augmented Marxbrüder coat of arms.42
  • In 1671, Gottfried Glatz, a “studiosus” from Breslau (Wrocław) enters the Marxbrüder ranks.43 This is remarkable because this is the only documented student joining the brotherhood.

Part II – Mapping Social Space: Marxbrüder Sites of Memory Continued 🗺️

This section concludes the mini-series on Marxbrüder meeting spots in Frankfurt that I began with “Religion and Revolution” in December 2025.

While the first half of this study reconstructs the Marxbrüder through numbers – occupations, hometowns, and long‑term demographic patterns – the second half turns to the physical and symbolic spaces in which these fencers moved.

Social space is never abstract: it is anchored in streets, inns, and the urban memory of a city. Having mapped who the Marxbrüder were and where they came from, we can now return to Frankfurt and examine the places where they appeared, gathered, and were remembered. As we will see, these sites of memory are as revealing as the dataset itself – especially since several long-standing assumptions about them, above all the notion that they maintained some kind of guild hall, prove to rest on surprisingly shaky ground.

Frankfurt’s Old Town in the 16th century, marked with three in-focus locations: House Schildknecht (purple), House Löwenberg (green), and House Krachbein (red). Misattributed sites appearing in 19th-century literature without primary evidence are marked with a bracketed “x.” For context, previously discussed sites of memory – the Dominican monastery (blue), and Peter’s Yard (yellow) – are also shown.

House Schildknecht alias House St. Marcus

Artistic rendition of a house emblem.44

House Schildknecht – later known as House St. Marcus – was the shoemakers’ guild house at Hühnermarkt 18 (Lit. L. 148). Its association with the Marxbrüder appears in 19th‑century literature, most notably in Heinrich Koch’s reading of the previously discussed 1458 passage in Jacquin’s Chronicon referring to “the fencing masters [original: schirmeyster] who are in St. Mark’s brotherhood.”45 Koch erroneously equated the “schirmeyster” with shoemakers and therefore also placed them in their guild hall. Apart from a confusion of these terms,46 the argument rests entirely on the shared dedication to St. Mark.

Even if we ignored the clear interrelationship between the Chronicon and the Medel Fechtbuch (cf. my previous article for a close reading), this identification cannot be sustained. First, the building did not bear the name House St. Marcus during the Marxbrüder’s active period, especially not in 1458. In the late 18th century, Johann Georg Battonn explicitly notes that the house assumed the name St. Marcus only “in recent times,” and that he himself had seen the life‑sized depiction of the saint with his name in golden letters on the façade.47 This places the renaming well after the active period of the Marxbrüder (see also Part I of this article), making it chronologically impossible48 for the Marxbrüder to have known or used the building under that name.

House St. Marcus with its decorated façade in the year 1735.49 Note the depiction of St. Mark at the center: an elderly man with a quill in his right, with a lion to his left, and a scroll with his Gospel on the floor. Two angels hold a shield featuring his name in golden capitals.50

Second, the occupational profile of the Marxbrüder does not support a connection to the shoemakers’ guild. Only five masters in the entire dataset were shoemakers, and none of them were Frankfurt citizens.51 The overwhelming majority were furriers, bakers, and textile workers – perhaps adjacent to shoemaking in the broader leather and cloth economy, but not institutionally linked to the shoemakers’ guild. Nothing in the Marxbrüder’s own records suggests that they ever used a craft guild hall as a meeting place.

Shoemakers selling and producing their goods.52 Apart from a wide range of footwear (e.g., slippers, waterproof boots, cuirass shoes, and courtly fashion), these craftsmen also produced leather equipment like crossbow and handgun holsters, pouches, fire buckets, and covers for travel chests.

Third, the Marxbrüder’s documented activities point in a different direction entirely. Their Red Record Book repeatedly places master appointments and Fechtschulen in public venues – most prominently the Krachbein – rather than in guild houses. The brotherhood functioned as a mobile, event‑based association, not as a craft guild with a fixed hall.

In light of this, the identification of House St. Marcus as a Marxbrüder meeting place is best understood as an onomastic misunderstanding: an 18th‑century attempt to harmonize two institutions dedicated to the same saint, despite the absence of any primary evidence linking them. While the shoemakers’ guild records do contain occasional references to armed altercations among journeymen,53 these incidents reflect tensions of early modern martial culture, rather than any connection to the Marxbrüder.

House Schildknecht was destroyed in 1944 and reconstructed between 2012 and 2018 as part of the New Frankfurt Old Town project. Its modern façade at Markt 18 preserves the memory of the site, but not of any historical association with the Marxbrüder.

Although the Marxbrüder most definitely did not meet at this place, I note in passing that a thorough analysis of ISG Frankfurt’s holdings on House Schildknecht could still be an interesting – if mostly unrelated – research endeavor.54

House Löwenberg

Artistic rendition of a house emblem.55

Following their armorial augmentation by Emperor Leopold I in 1670, the Marxbrüder styled themselves opulently as “Masters of the Long Sword and Experienced Practitioners of the Military Exercises of St. Marco and Löwenberg.”56 Karl Wassmannsdorff interpreted the new epithet “Löwenberg” as a heraldic-symbolic reference to the lion standing on a trimount.57 Other 19th‑century authors, however, attempted to anchor the term in Frankfurt’s topography by identifying a House Löwenberg as a supposed meeting place of the brotherhood.

This identification rests on shaky ground. The claim originates in commented editions of Peterweil’s Beschreibung der Reichsstadt Frankfurt58 and Battonn’s Lokalbeschreibung,59 which both mention House Löwenberg at Töngesgasse 46 (Lit. G 24) as a Marxbrüder gathering spot. Yet the evidence provided does not withstand scrutiny.

The first cites pp. 23 onward of Florian’s 1664 Chronica, which contains only a general reference to the Marxbrüder60 and says nothing about a house named “Löwenberg” – i.e., this is a classic example of a misquotation. The second offers no source at all. In other words, the entire tradition appears to originate in 19th‑century antiquarian inference rather than in primary evidence.

Complicating matters further, Frankfurt had two houses named Löwenberg, neither of which aligns with Marxbrüder activity.

The first, at Töngesgasse 46, was a substantial patrician residence. Its documented owners include jurors,61 French-reformed merchants,62 and later members of the Lombard noble house Brentano‑Gnosso.63 Nothing in its function or ownership suggests a connection to fencing masters or with the venues in which the Marxbrüder are known to have operated.

The second, at Krautmarkt 6 (Lit. M 203), served from 1311 to 1610 as the tanners’ guildhall64 and also appears in primary sources as the “Lederhaus.”65 Löwenberg could derive from Löwer, a historic term for tanner, rather than through reference to a lion.66 As a guild property, it belonged to the leatherworkers, and surviving records from both the tanners and the Marxbrüder show no overlap or indication of shared use.

Both houses were destroyed in the 1944 air raids. The post‑war building at Töngesgasse 46 occupies the same plot as its predecessor, as confirmed by the Ravenstein Plan of 1861,67 while the former tanners’ hall including the entire topography of Krautmarkt survives only in archival references and antiquarian notes.68

Taken together, the evidence points in a clear direction: The association of the Marxbrüder with House Löwenberg is a 19th‑century construct, created by conflating the heraldic-symbolic “Löwenberg” of the 1670 augmentation with an unrelated Frankfurt building that happened to share the name. No source – neither in the secondary literature, nor in the Medel Fechtbuch, the Red Record Book, or any guild or property records – supports such a connection. In light of this complete absence of evidence and the mismatch with the Marxbrüder’s documented practices, there is no historical basis for linking the brotherhood to a House Löwenberg.

House Krachbein69

Artistic rendition of a house emblem.70

After this unsatisfactory interim conclusion – two of three previously claimed meeting places remain unsubstantiated – let us turn to a location at which the Marxbrüder definitely met, and a rather remarkable one at that. The Krachbein (Lit. A. No. 123)71 was an old, well-known inn to the the northeast of Frankfurt, close to the Dominican Monastery.72 During the trade fairs, it accommodated large numbers of visitors, and it was here that the Marxbrüder publicly created their masters of the sword. The Red Record Book mentions this repeatedly in the late 16th century.73

A 17th century poetic description of the trade fairs likewise refers in passing to a Fechtschule at the Krachbein, followed by a comedic theatre.74 By that that time, the inn was not a mere drinking house but a large, lively entertainment venue. It possessed a spacious dance hall75 with a substantial stage (attested already around the Thirty Years’ War 1628–1648) which regularly hosted English comedy troops76 and dance events. Such a setting was ideal for Fechtschulen, which required ample room for numerous fencers wielding weapons such as long swords and polearms as well as space for musicians, and an assembled audience. As with performances at the Globe Theater, specators likely would have eaten and drunk – perhaps Bamberg beer mentioned in this context,77 or Rhenish wine.

Location of the Krachbein on the Merian plan (1628), marked with a red pointing hand. It stood directly opposite the Kircheneck, the prominent building with the projecting alcoves.78 Note also its immediate proximity to the Dominican monastery discussed earlier. I assume that the square courtyard right at the center of the image belonged to the Krachbein as well; it may represent the aforementioned dance hall. The inn also would have required substantial space to stable horses.79

In keeping with the establishment’s spirited character, its hanging sign humoristically played on the name Krachbein (“crack-bone”) by showing two angels breaking a bone in two.80

Artistic rendition of what the hanging shield of the Krachbein may have looked like. The position of the bone again follows the family emblem of the Krachbeins, while the two putti are typical for the Renaissance and early Baroque. I used Nano Banana, GIMP, and Inkscape to create this.

Making a Master of the Sword

Unfortunately, the sources do not describe the ceremonies at the Krachbein in detail. Thankfully, the Frankfurt Fencing Regulations provide a clear account of the master-making process from 1534 onward.81 Whether the rules still applied in precisely the same form some forty years later – when masters were made at the Krachbein – cannot be stated with certainty. Later regulations survive, but they do not describe the process of making masters.82 Furthermore, the Red Record Book merely notes that candidates were “publicly dubbed master” at the Krachbein,83 a phrase that refers specifically to the act of admission and not necessarily the preceding fencing bouts. Still, since Fechtschulen are attested at the inn, it is plausible that both the public trials and the formal presentation took place there.

According to the regulations, any sworn master first had to pass a private examination before the captain and two or three appointed masters. They tested his knowledge of the “five hidden strikes”84 performed three times with the weapons long sword, dussack, and staff. Furthermore, the applicant had to demonstrate the “six master‑cuts”85 with the long sword, and a series of dagger techniques. Only if he showed full command of all these elements was he permitted to advance to the public trial.

The public examination consisted of formally presenting the candidate and requiring him to fence multiple bouts with every master present, “on free ground and in free art,”86 without refusing any challenger. If he withstood these encounters without being overcome and was judged by the masters and the captain to have shown sufficient skill, he was admitted to the next ritual.

During the act of admission, the new master kneeled and placed two golden shillings upon a sword, received the symbolic strike from the captain, and swore the prescribed oaths. Afterward, he made the additional payment of one shilling87 and swore the oath of secrecy by God.

The final step, conducted once more in private, consisted of the captain and a small group of experienced masters imparting the confidential knowledge reserved for members of the rank. Only then was the newcomer admitted to the rights and obligations of his rank, including participation in the distribution of fees.

While much more could be said, I’ll pause here for a résumé.

Conclusion: the Marxbrüder, Mapped

Taken together, the transcription of the Red Record Book and the resulting dataset allow us to see the Marxbrüder with a clarity that has not been possible before. Quantitative patterns that were previously assumed – or asserted with great confidence in 19th‑century literature – can now be tested against a comprehensive body of evidence. The results are both confirming and corrective: furriers, bakers, and textile workers indeed formed the backbone of the brotherhood, while the geographic distribution of masters reveals a network far more expansive than the traditional focus on southern Germany suggests. The Marxbrüder were not a narrow craft confraternity but a mobile, pan‑regional association whose members came from Nuremberg to Königsberg, from Strasbourg to Riga.

Equally revealing is what the data does not support. Several long‑standing assumptions about the social and spatial life of the Marxbrüder – particularly their supposed association with specific Frankfurt guild houses – turn out to rest on little more than 19th‑century name‑matching. Neither House St. Marcus nor either of the two Houses Löwenberg can be meaningfully connected to the brotherhood. The Marxbrüder did not operate like a craft guild with a fixed hall; their social space was defined instead by public venues such as the Krachbein, where masters were appointed and Fechtschulen held. Correcting these misconceptions not only sharpens our understanding of the brotherhood itself but also helps disentangle the Marxbrüder from the historiographical projections of later centuries.

This study also opens several promising avenues for future research. A comparable dataset for the Federfechter – if their records in Prague or elsewhere can be located – would allow us to test the hypothesis that the rise of the Federfechter after 1607 directly contributed to the Marxbrüder’s numerical decline. Likewise, integrating confessional boundaries, trade networks, and municipal politics into the spatial analysis could illuminate why certain regions became Marxbrüder strongholds while others remained peripheral. Finally, the gaps in the record during moments of political tension, such as 1618,88 invite a closer look at Frankfurt’s council minutes to understand how urban governance shaped the public practice of fencing.

For now, the picture that emerges is one of a brotherhood deeply embedded in the economic, geographic, and social fabric of early modern central Europe – more diverse, widespread, and dynamic than earlier scholarship assumed. By grounding the Marxbrüder in data rather than conjecture, we can finally begin to understand them not as a romanticized relic of German fencing lore, but as a living institution shaped by the trades, towns, and tensions of their time.

If you enjoyed this article, please consider a donation to help fund my continued research on the Marxbrüder.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Werner Ueberschär for his helpful comments regarding the transcription and the signature.

My gratitude also goes to ISG Frankfurt’s Reading Room team (Lukas Mayeres, Kevin Stumpf, and Georgina Lienhard) for swiftly facilitating access to the Red Record Book, and for accomodating even obscure requests – such as weighing and measuring the volume – with great professionalism.

Appendix

Licensing & Attribution

This article, including the complete transcription of the Red Record Book and the Marxbrüder Master Dataset, is © Kilian Theil (2026). All transcriptions, datasets, visualizations, and analyses were created by the author.

Except where noted, this work is licensed under Creative Commons CC BY‑NC-SA 4.0. Non‑commercial reuse is permitted with attribution; commercial reuse requires explicit permission.

The thumbnail map is not covered by the CC BY‑SA‑NC 4.0 license. It incorporates public‑domain coats of arms from Siebmacher (1605) and map assets by Laurent Mazenc (used with permission). No reuse or redistribution is allowed without my explicit consent.

Suggested Citation

Theil, Kilian (2026). Mapping the Marxbrüder: A Data‑Driven Study of Occupations, Origins, and Social Space (c. 1500–1700). https://kiliantheil.com/marxbruder/2026/02/11/mapping-the-marxbruder

The Marxbrüder Master Dataset 1491–1719

👉 Click here to download

The Excel file has three content sheets:

  1. “Data” with the Marxbrüder corpus
  2. “Analysis of Occupations,” with a pivot table and plot as discussed above.
  3. “Analysis of Origins,” again with a pivot table and the plot discussed herein.

Structure & Methodology

The key sheet “Data” has 20 columns, each descriptively named. All columns in light green contain data directly extracted from the underlying sources and all columns in light blue contain derived data.

The 109 masters from Cod.I.6.2º.5 were cross-validated with Jens P. Kleinau’s table,89 and the 33 masters originating from Nuremberg with Werner Ueberschär’s table.90

  • “Full Name Source” contains all spelling variants contained in the source and is unified into a canonical/typical form “Full Name Standardized.” The same logic applies to “Hometown Source” and “[…] Standardized.” As the latter requires a degree of interpretation, I also add a ternary certainty label from “Low” to “High.”
  • There also is contextualizing metadata I added to allow for the analyses presented herein. “Citizenship Source” and “Hometown Standardized” are aggregated into “Origin Aggregated” (use Hometown if available, else Citizenship) and then contextualized with geographic “Origin Latitude” and “Origin Longitude” of that place.
  • I classify “Occupation Source” (i.e., the occupation as it is listed in the Marxbrüder chronicles) into seven categories “Occupation Classified” that I devised.
  • “Rank” encodes if a Marxbruder became a master (the default case), was elected captain, or made masters in the captain’s stead (which I call “Proxy”).
  • “Years” contains the semicolon-separated years in which a Marxbruder is mentioned. I also derive “Year First” (the year of the first mention), “Decade” (the decade that “Year First” belongs to) by assigning all years 149X to decade 1490 and so forth; and “Semicentury” by assigning “Year First” into one of two halves of a century (e.g., 1400–1449 or 1450–1499).
  • “Source” and “Source Folio” reference the mentions of that master either in the Medel Fechtbuch, or the Red Record Book (transcribed below). Because the Record Book contains a duplicated folio 35 between fols. 7 and 8, I label this redundant folio as 35* in the dataset to distinguish it from the actual final folio 35.

My Transcription of ISG FFM H.18.02 Nr. 13 (Red Record Book)

Additional Codicological Observations

  • The volume is bound using limp binding with five sewing stations.
  • The back cover once had a hole that was repaired by gluing a piece of paper over it from the inside.
  • The pages show slight waviness, likely caused by moisture exposure.
  • Folios 2 and 6 are fretted at the upper right corner.
  • Folios 35v and 36r bear a dark stain toward the top, suggesting these leaves lay closest to the cover during storage.

Notes on the Transcription

  • The transcription was prepared with the assistance of Transkribus; all readings were manually verified.
  • For readability, I preserve only those line breaks that separate distinct entries (e.g., different masters or records).
  • The foliation is irregular, including a duplicated folio 35 between 7 and 8. I retain the manuscript’s foliation as written and mark recto/verso as [r] and [v].
  • Editorial comments appear in square brackets and italicized.
  • Where a reading is uncertain, I add [?].
  • To denote “Anno Domini,” the source uses a ligature-like formula looking like the below, which I transcribe as A° đ

Transcription

[cover]

Uglb. U 69. N. 14 13

1583–1716

marxbrüder

1[r]

Sambstags den 19. Martÿ A° đ 1̅6̅1̅4̅. hat Baltha⸗sar Horn von Greiffenber Meister deß lang Schwerdts in namen vnd von weg der Bru⸗derschafft von St. Marx der Röm. Kaÿ. Mtt. Matthiæ Confirmation Ihrer Privilegÿ zur Statt Franckfurt Cantzleÿ gelieffert vnd zu den andern Privilegien in Verwahrung zunemen in namen ermelter Bruderschaft gebetten, welches dann auch geschehen.

den 26. Martÿ Aᵒ đ 1628. hat Michael Lemcke von Hollandt in Preussen Hauptman der Bru⸗derschafft Kayserl., Mtt Ferdinandi II. Confir⸗mation Brieff zur Cantzleÿ gelieffert vnd zu den andern Privilegien in Verwahrung zunemen gebetten.

den 31. Martÿ Aᵒ đ 1642. hat Hanß Reuter von Kirchen an der Eck, Hauptmann der Bruderschafft, Keyß. Mt. Ferdindandi İİİ. con⸗firmation Brieff zur Cantzleÿ gelieffert vnndt zu den andern Privilegÿs in Ver⸗wahrung zunehmen gebetten.

[archival stamp: Aus dem Stadtarchiv Frankfurt/M.]

[1v]

[ex-post insertion belonging to 2r with the corresponding symbol and comment: ≠ sechs fünff vnterschiedliche Kaÿserliche Privilegia vnd darunder sonderlich obgesetzte]

2[r]

[left margin: ist im maßen gewiedert, wie hernach zu sehen]

wir der Rath der Statt Franckfurt am Mayn thun kundt vnd hiermit beken⸗nen daß wir ≠ [insertion from 1v] zween Kaÿserliche Confir⸗mation Brieff den Meistern deß Schwerdts gegeben von wort zu wort laut⸗tendt wie vorabstehet an Pergamen, Schrifften vnd Kaÿserlichen Anhan⸗genden Insigeln, vnd sonst allent⸗halben gantz vnversehrt vnd vnarg⸗wöhnisch gesehen vnd befunden Auch vmb Meister deß Schwerdts beschehener fleissiger Bitte willens dieß gegen⸗wertig Transsumpt daruon machen, mit vnserer Statt anhangendem Insigel bekraftiges vnd NN. welcher an heut dato von NN. Als Jetziger Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx, zu einem Meister deß [insertion: langen] Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden, zu vrkundt haben mittheilen lassen, so ge⸗schehen đ.

verte.

[2v]

Wir der Rath der Statt Franckfurt am Maÿn, Thun kundt vnd hiermit bekennen, daß wir ein von dem jetztregierenden ≠ [insertion: Röm.] Kaÿß, Auch zu Hungern vnd Boheim Kön. Mtt. Ferdinando dem Andern zc. Vnseren allergnedigsten Herrn den Meistern deß Schwerdts allergnedigst ertheiltes Privilegium vnd Confirmation Brieff von wort zu wort lauttendt wie vorstehet, an Pergamen, Schrifften vnd Kaÿserlichem anhangendem Insigel vnd sonst Allent halben gantz vnversehrt vnd vnarg⸗wohnisch gesehen vnd befunden, Auch vmb Meister deß Schwerdts beschehener fleiß⸗siger Bitte willen dieß gegenwertige Transsumpt darvon vorfertig vnter vnserer Statt Anhangendem Insigel verfertigen vnd N. N. von N. welcher in heut dato von NN. vor N. als Jetzig Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister des Lang schwerdts geschlag, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden, zu Vrkundt haben mittheilen lassen, So geschehen den đ

3.[r]

Caspar Bachar von Dresden kürschner Ist durch Melchior Gaißmann von Nürnberg, der Zeit verordnetem hauptman über die Bruderschafft von S. Marco zu einem Meister des langen Schwerdts offentlich geschlagen wordn Am Sontage den 8. 7bris Anno 1583.

Sontags den 24 Martÿ Anno 1584 seindt nachbenante Personen, durch Melchiorn Nauman von Say auß der Schleßing, als hauptman über die Bruderschafft von S. Marx. zu Meistern des lang Schwerdts offentlich geschlagen worden.
Peter Schultheiß von Regenspurg Glockengießer.
Caspar Felber von Tressen, Lein wöber.
Joachim Gotthardt von Custrin, Kürschner.
Geörg Fuchs von Wien, Becker.
Conrad Fridwag von Nürmberg, Schumacher.
Pauly Merlo von Nürmberg Schellenmacher.
Lazary Bauert von heilspurg In Preußen kürßner.
Hanß damser von Greitz In d. Steirmarkh kürßner.
Moritz Büschel von der Weyde kürßner .|.

[3v]

Geörg Palm von Newem Soln In Vngarischen Bergstetten ist den 9. Aprilis Anno 1584 durch Wilheln Schützen von Cöln zum Meister des langen Schwerdts geschlagen worden.

Bastian Völklin von München
Christoff Koch von Breßlaw.
Dauid Lintz von Dantzig.
seind Sontags den 12. Aprilis Anno đ 84 durch Wilhelm Schützen zu Meistern der Lang Schwerdts geschlage worde.

Geörg Rad von Jena Glaser, bürg zu Augspurg
Niclauß wünsch von Königsperg zu Preüßen kürschner
seind Sontags den 4 Aprilis Anno 1585. durch wilhelm Schützen von Cöln. zu Meistern des lange Schwerdts geschlage worde.

4[r]

Thomas Schnedergerger von Passaw ein Beck Ist von Michel Wincklern zu einem Meister des lange Schwerdts geschlage worde Am Sontags den 12. 7bris. Anno 1585.

Sontags den 27 Martÿ Anno 1586. seind nachuolgende Personen von Wilhelm Schützen von Coln diser Zeit verordnetem hauptman über die Bruderschafft von S. Marx. zu eine M. des lange Schwerdts geschlage worde
[curly bracket Caspar Grimm to Dauid Reibholz: kürßner]
Caspar Grimm von Arnstadt.
Peter Niß. von Dantzig.
Augustin Ferber v. Schwebisch gemündt,
Melchior Mair v. Nörlinge
Dauid Reibholz von Raudt.
Peter Lentz von Augspurg wöber
Niclauß Wiltobler von Bregitz am Boden See Kupferschmidt.

[4v]

Sontags den 11. 7bris Anno 1586. seindt nachuolgende Personen durch M. Wilhelm Schützen von Cöln, als dieser Zeit verordnetem Hauptman über die Bruderschafft von S. Marx. zu M. des Schwerdts offentlich Im Krachbein geschlagen worde. Als namentlich
– Christian Kölckes, von Gülch. Schwartzferber
– Michel Dunckel von Lahr. kürschner.
Peter Hepfner v. dreßden. Leinwöber.
Lorentz Schmidt. v. Ochsenfurt. Bader,

Sontags den 9. Aprilis Anno 1587. Ist. Geörg Faul von Nörlinge seines handtwerks ein Becke. Von. M. Wilhelm Schützen von Cöln als elteren hauptman über die Bruderschafft Von. S. Marx. zu einem Meister des lange Schwerdts, Im Schelmen Garten, offent⸗lich geschlagen worde.

5.[r]

Sontags den 24. Martÿ Anno 1588. Ist. Hannß Mestel von nürmberg seines handwercks ein Tüncher gesell. Von Peter Lentzen von Augspurg als diser Zeit verordneten haupt⸗man vber die Bruderschafft von S. Marx zu einem Meister das lange Schwerdts offent⸗lich geschlage worden .|.

Sontags den 31. Martÿ Anno đ 1588. Ist Lorenz Bruellman ein harnisch Pollirer von Schaffhausen auß Schweiz von Peter Lentzen von Augspurg Alß diser Zeit verordetem Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von S. Marx zu einem Meister des langen Schwers, offent⸗lich geschlagen worden,

[5v]

Sontags den 8. 7bris Anno: đ 1588. Ist Hanns Friederich Boll von Konigsperg außer land zu Preußen, seines hanndwercks ein Kürschner gesell, von Peter Lenzen von Augspurg, als dieses Zeit vevordneten Haupt⸗man vber die Bruderschafft von S. Marx zu einem Meister des lang Schwerdts, offendtlichen geschlagen worden /.

Thomas Jordan von Camitz in der nider Laußnitz ein Kürschnergesell, Ist Sontags den 15. 7bris Anno 1588. Von Peter Lentz Von Augspurg dißer Zeit verordnetem hauptman über die Bruderschafft von .S. Marx, zu einem Meister des langen Schwerdts, zum Krachbein offentlich geschlagt worden.

6[r]

Paulus Reuter von Nürmmberg Zimmerman [correction: gesell.] Ist Sontags den 16. Martÿ Anno đ 1589 von Conrad Fridwach von Nurmberg, als diser Zeit der Vier Maister einem an statt Peter Lentzen Hauptman vber die Bruder⸗schafft von S. Marx zu einem Meister des Langen schwerts, zum Krachbein offentlich geschlag worden,

[horizontal bar]

Sebastian Klier von Nurmberg Schwartz⸗ferbers gesell ist Sontags den 16. Martÿ Anno đ 89. von gedachtem Conradt Fridwach von Nurmberg anstatt vnd von weg Peter Lentzen hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von S. Marx, zu einem Meister des lang schwerts, in der herberg zum Krach bein offentlich geschlagen worden.

[horizontal bar]

Sontags den 25. Martÿ Aᵒ đ 91, seindt Nachfolgende Personen durch Peter Lenz von Augspurg Lein vnd Barchent⸗weber, Auch hauptman vber die Bruderschafft zu St. Marx vnnd

[6v]

Approbirten Meister des Langen⸗schwerz offentlich Im Krachbein zu Meistern des langenschwerts geschlagen vnd zugelassen worden. Alß nemblich
Mattheß Mattheß v. Meichenburg seins hanndwercks ein Kirschner gesell ./.
Hannß Bapst von Alßeldt, Kirschner gesell,
Christoff Selig von Eisprugk, hammerschmied
Hannß Bierdümpfel v. Coburg ein Tuchmacher

Conrad Fridwach von Nurnberg Altreiß In nahmen vnd aus beuelig Peter Lenz von Augspurg Barchenweber alß diser Zeit verordnetem Hauptman vber die Brudeschafft zu Sant Marx vnnd Approbirter Meister des Langen Schwerdts hat nachbenante Perßonen offentlich In d Herberg zum Krachbein, zu Meistern des Langenschwerdts geschlage, vnd zuge⸗laß worden Actum den 13. 7mbris. 91.
Hannß Goldener v. Royffenhofen aus vannmarck Kirschner vnd
Wolff Bahl von München außm Land zu Baÿern, Tuchmach.

7[r]

Wolff Ball von Munchenn der vier Approbirtenn Meister einer deß Langen schwertts Jn hatt in namen vnnd auß Beuelig Peter Lentzen von Augspurg Alß diser Zeitt verordtneten Hauptt⸗mans vber die Bruderschafft zu S. Marx, nachbenantte drei personen offent⸗lich in der herberig zum Krachbein zu Maistern deß langen schwertts geschlagen vnd zugelassenn Actum solis denn 8. Aprilis Anno 1̅5̅9̅3̅.
Caspar Kretschmann von Preßlaw Kirschner
Hannß Krauß von Nurnberg Tuchmach
Sigmundt Harttung von Naumburg ein Kirschner,

[7v]

Wolff Ball von München d 4 approbirten Meister einer deß lange schwerts hat in namen Peter Lenzen von Augspurg alß diser Zeitt hauptmans vber die Bru⸗derschafft z. von S. Marx hatt Hannß Schustern von Nürmberg seins handtwercks ein Kürschner zum Meister deß langen schwertts gesch geschlagen vnd zugelassen, Actum solis den 24. Martÿ Anno đ 94

Thomas Körster Burger vnd Leinwöber zu Augspurg.
Georg Sehinz von dressen ein Becken vnd
Heinrich wagner von [hometown missing] Becker
seindt sontags den 15. 7bris Anno. 9̅4̅. durch Hanns Schustern vom Nürnberg Kürschner, aus Beueleg vnd anstatt

35[r – sic]

Christian Gülichen von Cöln Als diser Zeit verordneten hauptmanns der Bruderschaft zu Sanct Marx zu Meisten geschlagen vnd zugelassen worden.

Joachim Baltz von der Wißmar aus dem Landt zu Meckelburg kürschner Ist Sontags den 6. Aprilis Anno đ 95. durch hat Hanns Schuster von Nürmberg Kürschner aus Beueleg vnd an statt Christian Gulick zu als diser Zeit verordneter hauptman der Bruderschafft zu St. Marx, zu Meister des Langen Schwerdts geschlagen approbirt, vnd zuge⸗lassen worden.

[archival stamp: Aus dem Stadtarchiv Frankfurt/M.]

[35v]

1 Samuel Probst Kürschner von Augspurg.
2 Jacob Paulting Becker von Gotha
3 Hanns dilehrman Kaufmans Gesell von Rugen aus lif⸗landt
seindt alle dreÿ durch Christian Gillicuhen Burgern zu Cöln, als diser Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft zu St. Marx Appro⸗birt vnd zu Meistern des lange Schwerths geschlage worden. Actum Sontags 4. Aprilis Aᵒ đ. 96.

Matthes Rosenau von Künßberg aus Preußen seines handwercks ein Kurschner,
Ist Sontags den 20. Martÿ durch Clauß Rindtfleißen als für Zeit hauptman über die Bruderschafft zu St. Marx, zu einem Meister des Schwerths geschlage worde.

8.[r]

Andreas Crosigk von Aschersleben, ein Tuchmacher oder Wüllenweber, ist Palm Sontags den 9̇̃ Aprilis 1598. von Hanns Bapsten von Elfeldt in Hessen, an Statt Clausen Rindfleisch alß diser Zeit haubtman vber die Bruderschafft S. Marx, zu einem Meister des Lang schwerdts geschlag worden. Actum vt supra.

Jacob Beck, Burger vnd Kürschner zu Straspurg, Ist Palmen sontags den 1. Aprilis 1599. von Hannsen Bapsten von Elfeldt in hessen in namen Clausen Rindtfleisch alß diser Zeit haubtman vber die Bruderschafft S. Marx zu einem Meister des langen Schwerdts geschlagen worden ./.

[8v]

Philips Clements von Oppen⸗heim ein Kirschner ist vf Palm Sontag den 16 Martÿ 1600 von Clauß Rindtfleisch von Rottenburg an d Fulda alß d Marxbruder haubtman zu einem meister deß Langen schwerts zugelassen vnd geschlagen worden Actum Martis 18. Martÿ 1600.

Sebastian von Matzenheim von Straspurg Becker, Ist vf Sontag den 14. 7br. 1600. von Claus Rindt⸗fleischen von Rotenburg an der Fulda +⸗ [insertion: Als izig Zeit haubt man vber die brüderschafft von S. Marx⸗] zu einem Maister des lang Schwertdts zugelaßen vnd geschlagen worden, Actum den 15. 7br. 1600. ÷

9[r]

Carlo Martini von Ulm ein Lein⸗weber Ist vf obgl. Sontag von gemelt⸗ten Rindtfleischen, zu einem Meister des lang Schwerdts, zugelaßen und geschlagen worden. actum vt supra.

Hanns Hertel von Sehneberg in Meÿssen, Kurschner,
Ist Sontags den 29. Martÿ 1601. von Claus Rindtfleischen von Rotenburg an der Fulden als iziger Zeitt haubtman vber die bruoderschafft von S. Marx zu einem Meister des lang schwerdts geschlagen, Approbirt vnd zuge⸗laßen worden. ÷

Georg Schneider von Landsperg im herzogthumb Beÿern, ein Kurschner,
Ist solis 13. 7br. Aᵒ đ 1600. von Christian Kilcken burger zu Cölln, als izig Zeit haubtmann vber die Bruderschafft zu S. Marx, zu einem Meister des langen Schwerdts geschlagen [insertion: approbirt vnd] zugelaßen und zuworden.

[9v]

Adam Rasti von Doorn in Preußen ein Kürschner,
ist Sontags den 20. 7br. Anno đ 1601. von Claus Rindtfleischen, von Rotenburg an d Fulden, als iziger Zeit haubtmann vber die bruderschafft von S. Marx. zu einem meister des langen schwerdts geschlagen Approbirt vnd zugelaßen worden.

1. Hanns Heberle v. Nurmberg ein Platt⸗ner vnd Bolirer und
2. Hanns Sanftmeÿer von München in Beÿern ein Kürschner:
sindt beede von Hanns Bapsten von Alsfeldt in Heßen, als der Vier Meister einen des Langen Schwerdts, in namen des Abgestorbenen Claußen Rindtfleischs gewesenen haubtmann vber die bruderschafft S. Marx, zu Meistern des lang Schwerdes ge⸗schlag approbirt vnd zugelaßen worden Actum solis Palmarum 28 Martÿ Anno đ 1602.

10[r]

Ludtwig Beck Kurschner von Sehneberg auß Meissen ein Kürschner gesell
Ist Sontags den 12 7bris. Anno 1602 von Bastian von Matzenheim von Straßburg der vier geschwornen Meister deß Langen schwertts einem, zu einem Meister deß Langen schwerts geschlagen, approbirt vnnd zugelassen, worden, Actum vt supra.

1. Hannß Busse von Stettin ein Drexler vnd
2. Hannß Heinle von d Lignitz Kirschner vnd Bürger zu Preßlaw
seint Sontags den 10. Aprils 1603 von Bastian von Matzenheim von Straßburg d vier geschwornen Maister deß Langen Schwerts ≠ [insertion: anstat hansen von sehnebergs izig Hauptmans] zu einem Meister deß Langens schwerts geschlagen approbirt vndt zugelassen worden.

[10v]

Vlrich Harder Kibler Burg zu Nurn⸗berg vnnd
Matthes Beiger von Costnitz Kürschner
Seint Sontags den. 17. Aprilis 1603. von Bastian von Matzenheim Bürger zu Straßburg der vier ge⸗schwornen meister deß Langen schwerts anstet hansen von Sehnebergs der Marxbrüder hauptman zu Meistern deß Langen schwertts geschlagen vnd approbirt worden Son⸗tags denn 17. Aprilis 1603.

Conradt Wÿscheckel burger vnd Kürschn⸗ner zu Nürnberg, vnd
Hanns Ermler von Franckfurt an der Ader ein Kürschner.
Seindt Sontags den 11. Sept. Aᵒ đ 1603.

11.[r]

von Sebastian von Mazenheim bur⸗gern zu Straspuorg, der Vier geschwor⸗nem Meister einen des Lang schwertts, anstatt Hannsen [insertion of an illegible word looking like: hertel] von Sehneberg in Meichen, der Marxbruder haupt⸗mann, zu Meistern des langen schwerdts geschlagen approbirt vnd zugelaßen worden.

Martin Newmärcker von Roglitz in Meichsen Kürschner, vnd
Sebastian Kuchenmeister von Leipzig in Meichen Kürschner.
Seindt Sontags den 18. Septembr. Anno đ 1603. von Christian Chilcken burgern zu Cölln, alß haubtmann vber die Bruderschafft v. S. Marx. zu Meistern des Lang Schwertts geschlagen Approbirt vnd zugelaßen worden.

[11v]

Wendel Kraÿl von Lommenthen Seiffen Sieder vnd Hans Grimm von Augspurg Render
Ist Sontags den 25. Martÿ Anno đ 1604. von Vlrich Hartens von Nürnberg als Hauptmann vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister deß langen schwerdts geschlagen werden appro⸗birt vnd zugelassen worde

Hans Grimm von Augspurg Render ist Sontags den 1. Aprilis Aᵒ 1̅6̅0̅4̅. von Vlrich Hartern Burgern zu Nurenberg Als Hauptmans vber die Bruder⸗schafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister deß Langen Schwerdts, geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

12[r]

1 Bartholomes deutschländer von Mar⸗genberg Becker vnd
2. Mattheß Lewman Kurschner von Straßburg
seindt bede Sontags den 9. Septemb. Anno đ 1̅6̅0̅4̅ von Vlrich Hartern von Nurnberge Alß Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß langen Schwerdts geschlagen appro⸗birt vnd zugelassen worden.

1. Hanns Leÿß von Weÿlheim aus Beÿern Klingenschmidt, vndt
2. Gabriel Miliz von Golnaw in Pommern, Schloßer oder Büchsenmacher.
Seindt beede Sontags den 16. 7br. Aᵒ đ 1604 von Vlrich Harttern von Nurmberg Alß hauptmann vber die bruderschafft von S. Marx zu Meistern des Langen Schwerdts geschlagen, Approbirt vnd zu⸗gelaßen worden.

[12v]

Paulus Korn von Lesten in chürm⸗gau Huffschmidt
ist sontags den 24. Martÿ, Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅0̅5̅. von Vlrich Har⸗tern von Nurmberg als Jetziger Zeitt Hauptman vber die Brüder⸗schafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister deß langen schwerdts geschlagen, ap⸗probirt vnd zugelassen worden.

1. Hans wisender Flaschener von Pilsen vnd
2. Georg Vreiner Kurschner von Trauttenaw

[left margin: und im Beÿsÿs]
Sindt bede von Conradt Wißheckel von Nurnberg der 4 geschwornen Meister einem An statt Vlrich her⸗ters Als Jetziger Zeit Hauptmans vber die Bruderschafft vor St. Marx zu Meistern deß Langen schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden, Actum Sontags den 8. Septemb. Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅0̅5̅.

13[r]

1 Thomas Heldt von Güterbork Ku in Sachsen, Kurschner,
2 Gregorius Wisender von Pilsen Flaschener,
3 Hans Beinsfeldt von Trier Becker
Sindt Alle drey Sontags den 15. Septemb. Aᵒ đ 1605. von Vlrich Herter Hauptman vber die Bru⸗der von St. Marx. zu Meistern deß langen schwerdts geschlagen, ap⸗probirt vnd zugelassen worden.

1 Simon Wÿnckelman von Hertzberg in Meissen Kurschner.
2 Mattheß Pfeiffer von der Neuß in Schlesien Nestler
Sind bede von Hans Grimmen von Augspurg als Jetziger Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruder⸗schafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß langen schwerdts geschlagen approbirt vnd zugelassen worden Sontags den 6. Aprilis Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅0̅6̅.

[13v]

Caspar Arnoldt von Nemstettel in Schlesien Kürschner,
Melchior Brandt von Sehneberg in Meissen Kürschner
sind bede von Hans Grimmen von Augspurg als Jetziger zeitt Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft vor St. Marx zu Meistern deß lang schwerdts geschlagen approbirt vnd zugelassen worden den 13. Aprilis, Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅0̅6̅.

1. Christoff Ihose von dreßden Kurschner
2 Mattheß Kleinner von Breslaw Becker
3 Martin Saur von Drosklow in Schle⸗sien Kurschner.
Sind Alle 3. Sontags den 14. Septem⸗bris Aᵒ 1̅6̅0̅6̅ von Conrad Wißheckeln Burgern vnd Kurschnern von Nurnberg die an statt Hans Vlrich Grimmen von Aug⸗spurg Als Jetziger Zeitt Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß lang schwerdts geschlag approbrit [sic] vnd zugelassen worde.

14.[r]

Christoff Furer von Bartekirch Kursch⸗ner ist dinstags den 24. Martÿ Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅0̅7̅. von Hans Grimmen von Augspurg Als Jetziger Zeitt Haupt⸗man vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zum Meister deß langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zu⸗gelassen worden.

1. Hans Bar von Hollandt Auß Preussen Kurschner.
2. Georg Seiler von Ulm Tuchmacher.
3. Peter Hertzog von Schlanders Auß Tirol
Sind Alle Sontags Palmari den 29 Martÿ Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅0̅7̅. von Hans Grimmen vor Augspurg Als Jetziger Zeitt Hauptman vber die bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß langen Schwerdt geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelas⸗en worden.

[14v]

Melchior Wessel von Altenberg in Meissen Becker vnd
Jacob Grosser von Hirschberg Auß Behen Becker.
Sindt bede Sontags den 6. Septemb. Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅0̅7̅ von Hans Barr vor Hol⸗landt in Preussen der 4. geschwore⸗nen Meister einer An statt vnd von wegen Hans Grimmen vor Aug⸗spurg als Jetziger Zeitt Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern des Langen schwerdts geschlagen Approbirt vnd zugelassen worden. Actum vt supra.

Leonhard Weber von Wurtzburg Tuch⸗macher ist Sontags den 13. Martÿ Aᵒ đ 1608. von Hans Bar von Holland in Preussen Als Jetziger Zeit Haupt⸗man vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister deß lang schwerdts geschlage, approbirt vnd zu⸗gelassen worden. Actum vt supra.

15[r]

Conrad Endreß von wien Becker Ist Sontags den 20. Martÿ Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅0̅8̅. von Vlrich Hartern von Nurnberg der vier geschwornen Meister einem An statt Hansen Bar von Holand in Preussen als Jetziger Zeitt Haupt⸗man vber die Bruderschafft von S. Marx vnd in dessen Beÿseÿn zum Meister deß langen Schwerdts ge⸗schlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

Georg Gepherindt von Kirchberg An der Jauchst Becker ist Sontags den 11. Septemb. Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅0̅8̅. von Hans Barrn von Hollandt in Preussen Als Jetziger Zeitt Haupt⸗man vber die Buderschafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister deß langen Schwerdts geschlagen ap⸗probirt vnd zugelassen worden.

[15v]

1 Hans Brosch von Preslaw Becker
2 Mattheß Erckel von Munchen Koch
Sind bede vor Hans Bar obgenande als Hauptmann vber die Bruderschaft von S. Marx, zu Meistern deß langen schwerts geschlag, approbirt vnd zuge⸗lassen worden. Actum Solis den 18. Septemb. Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅0̅8̅.

1 Hans Beckmeister von Leiptzig Kursch⸗ner
2 Georg Weidtman von Berg in Thüring Schwartzfärber.
3 Daniel Spieß von Straßburg Kursch⸗ner
Sind Alle 3. Sontags den 2. Aprilis Aᵒ đ 1609. von Mattheß Klen⸗ner von Preßlaw der 4. geschwor⸗nen Meister einem An statt Hans Barn von Hollandt in Preussen Als Jetziger Zeit Hauptmans vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß lang schwerdts geschlag approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

16[r]

1 Mattheß Schmidt von Nurnberg Beck
2 Vlrich Burckhardt von Straubingen Kurschner,
sin bede Sontags Palmarum den 9. Aprilis Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅0̅9̅. von Mattheß Klennern von Preßlaw der vier geschwornen Meister einem Anstatt Hans Barn von Hollandt in Preus⸗sen als Jetziger Zeitt hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß langen schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

Philips Adam von Veela Auß preus⸗sen kurschner ist Sontags den 10. Septemb. Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅0̅9̅. von Hans Barn von Holland in Preussen Als Jetziger Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu ei⸗nem Meister deß langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

[16v]

Mattheus Traub von Rotweil Kurschner vnd
Adam Schmidt von Miltenberg Kurschner
sindt bede Sontags den 17. Septem. bris Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅0̅9̅. von Hansen Barn von Hollandt in Preussen, Als Jetziger Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruder⸗schafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß langen Schwerdte geschlagen ap⸗probirt vnd zugelassen worden

1 Hans Klemsch von Olmutz in Mehren, Meurer.
2 Jacob Klemsch Olmutz in Mehren Meurer.
3 Dauid Biernstengel auß den Zips Kurschner
Sind Alle dreÿ Sontags den 25 Martÿ Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅1̅0̅. von Georg Gepherindt von Kirchberg An der Jauchst, Als Jetziger Zeit Haupt⸗

17[r]

man vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß langen schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

Hans Wirth von Regenspurg Becker.
Andreas Crafft von Preßlaw Kurschner.
Martin Beschman vm Leiptzig Kurschner
sind Alle dreÿ Sontags den Aprilis Aᵒ 1̅6̅1̅0̅. von Georg Gepherindt von Kirchberg An der Jauchst Als Jetziger Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß Schwerdts langen [sic] geschlagen Approbirt vnd zuge⸗lassen worden.

[17v]

1 Tobias Bogener Burger vnd Cor⸗dubener von Prag in der Neustatt.
2 Andreas Dobel von Nurnberg Becker
3 Abraham Boruffskÿ von königs⸗berg in Preussen Becker.
Sindt Sontags den 9. Septembris Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅1̅0̅. von Georg Gepherinden von Kirchberg An der Jauchst, Als Jetziger Zeit Hauptman Veber die uderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

Hans Bock von Santerfor, [insertion: Kürschner] auß Lot⸗tringen ist Sontags den 16. Septemb. Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅1̅0̅. von Georg Gepherinden von Kirchberg an der Jauchst, Als Jetziger Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister deß langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelasset worden.

18[r]

1. Joachim Wormbs von Rostock Auß dem Landt zu Mechelburg Schlosser.
2. Michael Claus von Reichenbach Auß der Schlesien Becker
Sind Sontags den 10. Martÿ Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅1̅1̅. von Georg Gepherinden von Kirchberg An der Jauchst Als Jetziger Zeit Haupt⸗man vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß langen Schwerdts ge⸗schlagen approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

David Sturm Kurschner vnd Burger zu dantzig Ist Sontags den 17. Mar⸗tÿ Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅1̅1̅. von Georg Gepherinden von Kirchberg an der Jauchst als Jetziger Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St Marx zu einem Meister des langen schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zuge⸗lassen worden.

1. Martin Frölich von Olmutz in Mehren, Kurschner
2. Christian Reutsch von Leiptzig, Kurschner vnd
3. Hans Engelhardt Diestel von Nurnberg Tucher
Sindt alle drey Sontags den 15.

[18v]

Septemb. Aᵒ đ 1611. von Georg Ge⸗pherinden von Kirchberg an der Jauchst als Jetziger Zeits Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß langen schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

1 Weÿl Brotschieber von Grätz auß der Steÿrmarkh ./.
2 Georg Clar von Bischofswerth auß dem land zur Maÿchsten bede der Römisch Königlichen Markh Trabanten ./
3 Martin Bedermann Barchetwöber von Nürmberg,
seind alle dreÿ Dinstags den 9. Junÿ Anno 1612 vf damals gehaltenem Königlich wahltag, von Georg Gepherinden Von Kirchberg ahn

19[r]

der Jauchst, diß Zeit Hauptman über die Bruderschaft vom St. Marx zu Meistern deß langen Schwerts zuge⸗lassen vnd offentlich geschlage worden ./.

1 Hans Clain von Messenkirch Becker
2 Fabian Reich von Königsperg in Preussen Kurschner.
3. Balthasar Horn von Greiffenberg in Schlesien Kurschner.
4. Jacob Marsteller vor Straßburg Becker
Sindt Alle vier Sontags den 13. Se⸗ptembris Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅1̅2̅. von Georg Ge⸗pherinden von Kirchberg an der Janchst alt Jetziger Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

1. Michael Heintz von Olmutz in Mehren Kurschner
2 Jacob Luck von St. Mellen Schwartz⸗ferber vnd
3 Alexander Saurweÿdt von Vlm, Weber

[19v]

Sindt Alle dreÿ Sontags den 21. Martÿ Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅1̅3̅. von Martin Frölicher von Olomutz, Als etziger Zeit Haupt⸗man vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß Langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

1. Bartholome Eckhardt von Preßlaw, Kurschner.
1. 2. Andreas Backes von Straßburg Becker
2. 3. Hans Herman von Dunckelspül Becker.
Sindt Allen dreÿ bede Sontags Palmarum den 28. Mar⸗tÿ Aᵒ đ 1613. von Martin Frölichen von Olomutz als Jetziger Zeit Haupt⸗man vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern des Langen schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

Bartholome Eckhardt von Preßlaw Kurschner, Ist zwar beneben den nehest vorgemelt vff ermelten tag Auch zur Prob furgestelt, weil Er Aber damals

20[r]

blutrunstig geschlag vnd die federfechter Ihn nit zulassen wöllen, Als ist Er An heut Abermals furgestelt vnd, ob gedachtem Martin Frölichen von Olomutz Als Jetziger Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister deß langen Schwerdts geschlagen approbirt vnd zugelassen worden, Actum dinstags den 30. Martÿ, Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅1̅3̅.

Barthel Katz von Freÿberg in Meissen Kürschner ist Sontags den 12. Septemb. Aᵒ 1̅6̅1̅3̅. von + [insertion: Martin Neumerker von Rothlitz der vier bestelten Meister ein⸗em anstatt und in beÿseÿs] Martin frölichen Als Ietz von Olomutz Als Jetziger Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister deß langen schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

1 Balthasar Pfeiffer von Franckfurt Drucker.
2 Thomas Thiergartner von Berghe⸗ratsoffen in Osterreich Becker.

[20v]

3. Hans Rins von Magdeburg Becker
4. Hans Kegel von Munchen in Beÿern Bierbrewer.
5. Barthel Weiß von Morgenthal an der Tauber Meurer.
Sindt Alle funff Sontags den 10. Aprilis, Aᵒ 1̅6̅1̅4̅. von Baltha⸗sar Horn von Greiffenberg als Jetziger Zeit Hauptman vber die Buderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß langen schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

1 Hans Keller von Frawenstatt in Polen Kurschner.
2 Lorentz Pflug von Pesche in Bohemen Becker.
3 Jacob Calav von Soldavr in Preussen Kurschner.
4. Henning Muller von Osterwick auß dem Landt Braunschweig Kurschner.
5. Wolff Brandtner von Eher in Bohem Becker vnd

21.[r]

6. Sebastian Furst von Wrombs Beck. sindt Alle sechs Sontags den 17. Aprilis Anno 1̅6̅1̅4̅. von Balthasar Horn von Greiffenberg, als Jetziger Zeit haupt man vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx, zu Meistern des langen Schwerdts geschlagen approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

Michael Schrumpff von der Naumburg An der Saal, vnd Becker, vnd
Martin Beÿer von der Frawenstett in Schlesien Tuchmacher,
Sind bede Sontags den 11. Septemb. Anno 1̅6̅1̅4̅. von Georg Sailern von Vlm An stett vnd von wegen Mar⸗ten + [insertion: Frolich] von Olomutz als Jetziger Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß langen schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zu⸗gelassen worden.
Georg Ackerman von Leiptzig kurschener Ist Sontags den 18. Septemb. Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅1̅4̅. von Georg Sailern von Ulm An statt

[21v]

vnd von wegen Martin Frölich von Olomutz, als Jetziger Zeit Hauptmann vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister deß langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

Hans Rambisch von Bamberg Becker Ist vfff vorgemelten Sontag benebes Georg Hofman vorgestelt worden, weil Er eterz damaln verletzt, Als ist er nit zugelassen, sondern erst an heut dienstag den 20. Septemb. Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅1̅4̅. Abermals vorgestelt vnd weil Er bestanden von Georg Sailern von Vlm an statt vnd von wegen Martin Frolich von Olomutz Als Jetziger Zeit Hauptmans vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister deß langen schwerdts geschlag, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.
Peter Sebastian vom Schwitzenberg in Meissen Kurschner. Vnd
Christoff Müller von Bultowitz in Schlesien Backer.
Sindt bede sontags Palmarum den

22.[r]

2. Aprilis Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅1̅5̅. von Lorentz Pflugen von Schlackenwaldt in Bohemen, der Vier geschwornen Meister einem An statt deß Hauptmanns vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden Actum vt supra.

Christoff Hintze von Dritztorff Auß der Marck Brandenburg Kurschner, Ist Son⸗tags den 10. Septemb. Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅1̅5̅. von Vlrich Hartern von Nurnberg, an statt vnd von wegen deß Hauptmans vber die Bruderschafft von St Marx zu einem Meister deß Langen Schwerdts geschlagen approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

Hans Conrad Kaltroff von wertheim Schwartzfarber, Ist Sontags den Sieben⸗Zehenden Septembris Anno 1̅6̅1̅5̅. von Vlrich Harrttern von Nurnberg An statt vnd von wegen deß Hauptmans vber die Buderschafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister deß langern Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

[22v]

Friderics Frischeisen von Nurnberg Plattner Ist Sontags den 17. Martÿ Anno đ 1616. von Jacob Calavr von Soldavr in Preussen Als Jetziger Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu ei⸗nem Meister deß langen Schwerdts geschlagen approbirt vnd zugelassen worden .|.

Balthasar Büchler von Scheibs in Oesterreich Kurschner gesell ist Sontags den 8. Septemb. Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅1̅6̅. von Jacob Calavr von Soldavr in Preussen Als Jetziger Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister deß langen Schwerdts geschlagen, Approbirt vnd zugelasen worden.

1 Christoff Kacher von Wien [?] Schwartz⸗ferber.
2 Hans Muller von Nurenberg Com⸗paßmacher

23.[r]

3 Peter Schwarck von Konigsberg in Preußen Kurschner
4 Sigmundt Naueshundt von Leipzig Kurschner.
sindt Alle 4. Sontags den 6. Apri⸗lis Aᵒ đ 1617. von Hans Herman von Dunckelspfuhl der vier geschwor⸗nen Meister einem An statt vnd von wegen Jacob Calavr von Sol⸗davr in Preussen, Als Jetziger Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß langen schwerdts geschlagen approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

1 Paul Pol von Hollandt in Preussen Kurschner.
2 Hans Horn von Magdeburg Tuch⸗macher
Sindt bede sontags den 13. Aprilis Aᵒ đ 1617. von Jorg Hans Herman d 4. geschwornen Meister einem gleich gestelt zu Meistern deß langen schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zuge⸗lassen worden.

[23v]

Hans Ring von Nurnberg Becker vnd Burger daselbsten. Vnd
Paulus Bol von Holandt in Preußen Kurschner.
Michael Haan von Gartz in Pom⸗mern Kurschner.
Sind bede Sontags den 7. Septemb. Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅1̅7̅. von Paul Poln von Holandt in Preussen Alt Jetziger Zeit haupt⸗man vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß langen schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

Paulus Schmidt von Streel in Meissen Kurschner ist Sontags den 14. Septem⸗bris Aᵒ đ 1617. von Paul Poln von Hollandt in Preussen als Jetziger Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruder⸗schafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister deß langen schwerdte geschlagen, appro⸗birt vnd zugelassen worden.

24[r]

Julius Hartisch von Caden in Bohemen Kurschner, vnd
Jacob Weigenhan, von Wollin in Pommern Kurschner,
Sindt Sontags den 9. Aprilis Anno đ 1̅6̅2̅0̅ von Christoff Faren Furen von Bartenkirch Burgern zu Augspurg an statt vnd in namen deß Hauptmans vnd der vier geschwornen Meister zu einem Meister deß lang Schwerdts geschlag, approbirt vnd zuge⸗lassen worden.

Philips Braschner von Bautzen Leinenweber vnd
Philipps Brahe von Metz in lot⸗tringen Kurschner
Sindt bede Sontags den 25. Martÿ Anno đ 1̅6̅2̅1̅ von Hans Conrad Kal⸗troff von wertheim der vier geschwor⸗nen Meistern einem zu Meistern deß langen schwerdts geschlag appro⸗birt vnd zugelassen worden.

[24v]

Davidt Vogt von Freiberg in Schlesien, Kürschner, ist Sontags den 21. Martÿ 1̅6̅2̅4̅. von Hanß Conrad Kaltern von wertheim der vier Geschwornen Meister einem, zum Meister des Langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

Peter von der Hohenmühlen von Torgaw, Kürschner, ist Sontags den witt 3. April 1̅6̅2̅5̅. von Hanß Paull Bohlen von Hollandt in Preussen, als ietzig Zeit Hauptman über die Bru⸗derschafft von S. Marx, zu einem Meister des Langen Schwerdts geschlagen approbirt, vnnd zu⸗gelassen worden.

Michel Lembge von Hollandt in Preussen, ein Kürschner, vnd
Caspar Voltz von Augspurg ein Löher,
sindt beide Sontags den 10. Aprilils 1̅6̅2̅5̅.

25.[r]

von Paul Bohlen von Hollandt auß Preussen, iezig Zeit Hauptman über die Bruderschafft von S. Marx, zu Meistern des langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt, vnd zu⸗gelassen worden.

Jacob Newman von Bartenstein in Preussen, Kurschner ist Sontags den 18. Septemb. Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅2̅5̅. von Michael Lembke Kurschnern von Hollandt in Preussen der vier geschwornen Meister einem An statt vnd in namen Paul Bohln von Hollandt in Preussen Als Jetziger Zeit Hauptmann vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister deß langen Schwerdts geschlagen ap⸗probirt vnd zugelassen worden.

[25v]

Caspar Haffner, Zuckerbäcker, von Nürmberg ist Sontags den 26. Martÿ 1̅6̅2̅6̅. von Michael Lembke Kurschnern von Hollandt auß Preussen, alß itziger Zeit hauptmann vber die Bruder⸗schafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister des Langen Schwerdts, geschlagen, approbirt, vnndt zuge⸗lassen worden.

Mattheus Sigel von Aans Bäcker ist Sontags den 11. Martÿ Aᵒ đ 1627. von Peter von der Hohenmuhl von Tor⸗gau in Meissen Als einer der 4. Meister an statt vnd von wegen Michael Lembke von Hollandt in Preussen als Jetzig Zeit Hauptmann vber die Bruderschafft vor St. Marx zu einem Meister deß langen Schwerdts

26[r]

geschlagen approbirt vnd zugelassen worden. Actum vt supra.

Georg Haizmar von Sultzbach in d Oberpfaltz Becker ist Sontags des 9. Septemb. Aᵒ đ 1627. von Jacob Neuman von Bartenstein in Preussen Als einem der vier geschwornen Meister an statt vnd von weg Michael Lembge von Hollandt in Preussen, als Jetziger Zeit Haupt⸗man vber die Bruderschaft von St. Marx zu einem Meister deß langer Schwerdts geschlagen, appro⸗birt vnd zugelassen worden.

[vertical bar down to page bottom]

[26v]

Jacob Niß von Dantzien bericht sei vor 9. od 10. Jaren alhie von Hannsen von der Sebe⸗nitz alß damals hauptman vber die Brude⸗schafft von S. Marx zu einem M Maister des lang schwertts geschlagen worden, welches dan Wilhelm Schulz von Coln Con⸗firmirt, in d fastenmeß Aᵒ đ 9̅0̅. ist Ihm ein ander brieff vnder dato den 20. Mar⸗tÿ Anno đ 8̅0̅. mit getheilt worden,

[vertical bar down to page bottom, accompanied by the archival stamp: Aus dem Stadtarchiv Frankfurt/M.]

27[r]

Georg Heuß von Nurnberg Barchet⸗weber vnd
Paulus Rausch von Nurnberg Drat⸗zieher.
sind bede Sontags den 30. Mar⸗tÿ Aᵒ đ 1628. von Michael Lembke von Hollandt, in Preussen als Jetzi⸗ger Zeit Hauptman vber die Bru⸗derschafft von St. Marx zu Mei⸗stern deß Langen Schwerdts ge⸗schlagen, approbirt vnd zugelaßen worden.

Zacharias Schönenknecht von Stet⸗tin in Pommern Kurschner vnd
Matthias Groseswaldt von Hirsch⸗feldt in der Oberlaußnitz Kursch⸗ner.
sindt bede Sontags den 6. Aprilis Anno đ 1628. von Michael Lembke von Hollandt in Preussen, als Ietzi⸗

[27v]

ger Zeit hauptman vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern deß langen Schwerdts geschlagen approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

Steffan Leupoldt von Nurnberg Kurschner Ist Sontags den 14. Martÿ Aᵒ đ 1630. von Paul Rauschen von Nurnberg, Als Jetzig Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruderschaft von St. Marx zu einem Meistern deß langen Schwertzs geschlage approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

Georg Meÿer von Nürnberg Kürschner ist Sontags den 12. Septemb. Aᵒ đ 1̅6̅3̅0̅ von Paul Rauschen von Nürnberg, als ietzig Zeit hauptman uber die Bruder⸗schafft von S. Marx, zu einem Meister des Langen Schwerdts geschlag, approbirt vnd zugelassen worde.

28[r]

[left margin: Ingl.] Niclaus Moritz von Hamburg Frÿzecker [?] ist Sontags den 27. Martÿ Anno đ 1̅6̅3̅1̅. von Paul Rauschen von Nurnberg, Als Jetzig Zeit Hauptman vber die Brueder⸗schafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister deß lang Schwerdts ge⸗chlagen appobirt vnd zugelassen, worden.

[left margin: Ingl.] Valentin Faber von Wertheim Kursch⸗ner ist Sontags den 3. Aprilis Anno đ 1̅6̅3̅1̅. von Paul Rausch von Nurmberg, Als jetziger Zeit Haupt⸗man vber die Bruderschaft von St. Marx zu einem Meister des lang Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

[28v]

Joachim Roldt von Riga in liff⸗landt Kurschner ist Sontags den 25. Martÿ, Anno đ 1̅6̅3̅2̅. von Hans Babsten von Alßfeldt an statt deß Hauptmanns vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister daß deß langen Schwerdts, geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

Hanß Schaff von Kirchheim an der Eck, Becker vnd
Hanß Reuter, Auch von Kirchheim an der Eck vnd Becker.
Seind beede Sontags den 29. Martÿ 1640. von Georg Haußmeÿern von Sultzbach, in der Ober Pfalz der Vier Meister einer, an statt Michel Lembkes, von Holland in Preußen

29.[r]

des Hauptmanns vber die Bruder⸗schafft von St. Marx zu einem Meister des Langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

Leonhard Gackstätter, vonn Rotenburg an der Tauber, Becker
Conrad Haußner, von Nurmberg, Becker,
Friederich Hagen, von Bayräut Becker, vndt
Marx Eckstein, von Nappurg Kürßner
Seind alle Vier Sontags den dritten Aprilis 1642. durch Hanß Reutern von Kirchen an der Eck, alß Jeziger Zeit Hauptman vber die Bruderschafft zu St. Marx zu Meistern des Langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

[29v]

Henrich Tehennes von Dusseldorff Faßbender.
Hanß Joachim von Dantzig, leinweber.
Seind Bede Sonntags den 14. Aprilis 1644. von Leon⸗hard Gackstettern von Roten⸗burg an der Tauber, an statt Hanßen Reuters von Kirchen an der Eck, des Hauptmanns vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern des Langen Schwerds geschlagen, approbirt vnnd zugelassen worden.

Johann S̃chottler, von Bremen, ~ßaffa⸗Wercker, Ist Montags den 22 Aprilis 1644. von Friederich Hagen von Baÿrävt, Becker anstatt Hanß Reuters von Kirchem von der Eck, des Hauptmans über

30[r]

die Brüderschafft von St. Marx zum Meister des Langen schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelasen worden

Hanß Rummel, von Erfurtt, ein Alt⸗raiß (⸫ das ist Schuhflicker :​| ist Sonn⸗tags den 21 Septembris, vonn Hanß Gogelsen, von Hamburg, Bierbräwern, anstatt Hanß Reuters von Kirchen an der Eck, des Haupt⸗manns vber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx, zum Meister des langen Schwerds geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

[diagonal bar at page bottom]

[30v]

Steffan Andreas von Ingolstatt Backer, Ist Sonntags den 26. Martÿ Aᵒ đ 1648. von Hanß Rummels von Erfurtt, an statt Hanß Reuters von Kirchen an der Eck, alß Jezigen Zeitt Hauptmanns vber die Bruder⸗schafft von St. Marx zum Meister das Langen Schwerds geschlagen approbirt vnd zugelaßen worden.

Dieterich Liebendantz, Von Königsberg in Preu⸗sen Lebküchlin⸗vnd Looßbecker, Ist Sontags den 24. Septembris Aᵒ đ 1648. von Hanß Rum⸗meln von Erfurt, an statt Hanß Reuters von Kirchen ander Eck, alß Jetziger Zeit hauptmanns über die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zum Meister des Langen Schwerdts ge⸗schlagen, approbirt vnd zugelaßen worden.

31.[r]

Hans Leipnitz von Wettin, auß Sachsen Kürschner Ist gestrigen Sontags den 30. Octobris Septem⸗bris 1649. von Jacob Schmiedten, von Niclasburg auß Mähren, Kurschnern an Statt Hanß Reuters von Kirchen an der Eck alß Jeziger Zeit Haupt⸗manns über die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zum Meister des Langen Schwerts geschlag vnd approbirt vnd zugelaßen worden.

Hans Clausenburg von Danzig, Kürschner,
Raimund Homler, von Basel, Tuchbereiter
Seynd beede Sontags den 7. Aprilis 1650. von Hanß Reutern, von Kirchen an der Eck, alß Jetziger Zeit Hauptmann über die Brüderschafft von St. Marx zum Meister des Langen Schwerdts geschla⸗gen, approbirt vnd zugelaßen worden.

[31v]

1 Daniel Bleich, von Kalten Steinberg, Becker,
2 Adam Beyer, von Starkart in Preusen, Bernstein Treher. v.
3 Adam Kistenfeger von Caden in⸗Böhmen, Kirschner
Seindt alle dreÿ Sontags den 23. Martÿ 1651. von Hanß Reutern, von Kirchen an der Eck, alß Jetziger Zeit Hauptmann über die Brü⸗derschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern des Langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelasen worden.

1 Georg Rotlshuber, von Rosenheim auß Baÿern
2 Georg Löchel von Aussich auß Mehren, bede Becker
Seind Sontags den 21. 7bris 1651. von Daniel Glaichen, von Kalwen Steinberg, an Statt Hansen Reuters, von Kirchem an d Eck, alß iezig Zeit Hauptmanns über die Brüderschafft von

32[r]

S. Marx zum Meistern des Langen Schwerdts geschlag, approbrit vnd zugelaßen worden.

1 Peter Sacker, von Breßlaw, Kürschner, vndt
2 Hanß Melber, von Kinßelßheim in der Graffschaft hohenlohe, Becker:
Seindt Sontags den 27. Martÿ, 1653. von Hanß Reutern von Kirchen an der Eck alß Jeziger Zeit Hauptmann über die Bruderschafft von St Marx zu Meistern des langen Schwerdts geschlag worden approbirt vnd zugelaßen worden.

Jeremias Tschencke, von Sarau auß der Nied⸗Laußniz, der Zeit Burger vnd Handelßmann in der Kays. vnd Königl. Statt Breßlaw: Ist Mittwochens den 30. Martÿ 1653. von obigem Hanß Reuter, Hauptmann über die Bruderschafft von St. Marx zum Meister des Lang schwerdts appro⸗birt vnd zugelaß worden.

[32v]

Johann Schwabauer Burger undt Backer in Nürnberg, vndt
Johann Ohlschlägel von Graich in Vogit Landt, Becker
Seindt OsterMontags den 7. Aprilis 1656 Von Daniel Bleichen, Bürgern zu Straß⸗burg, alß Jetziger Zeit Hauptmann uber die Bruderschafft von St. Marx, zu Meistern des Lang Schwerdts geschlag, approbirt vnd zugelaßen worden.

Martin Keehl, von Zellich in der Marck⸗Brandenburg, Loß Kuchen⸗ undt Weißbeck Ist Sontags den 8. Aprilis 1̅6̅6̅6̅. von Daniel Bleichen, Bürgern zu Straßburg, alß Jetzige Zeit Hauptmann über die Bruderschafft von St. Marx, zu einem Meister des Langen Schwerdts geschlg geschlag, approbirt vndt zugelaß worden.

33.[r]

1̅ . Georg Zwickel von Nürmberg, Drath⸗ziher.
2̅. Philipp Strobel von Heldtspurg in Österreich, Becker.
3̅. Christian Daden von Dantzig, Knöpffmacher.
4̅ . Jacob Ackermann von Feldtkirchen aus Tÿrol, Becker, vnd
5̅. Caspar Anthoni Richmann von Berlin, Kürßner,
Seindt in Ostermes 1669. von Hans Reütern von Kirchen an der Eck, als ietziger Zeit Hauptmannen über die Brüderschafft von St. Marx zu Meistern des langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zu ge⸗lassen worden.

[33v]

1̅ . Heinrich Veit, von Hamburg, Metzger
2̅ . Georg Fentzenaur von München Becker.
3̅. Peter Schnell von Hamburg, fischer
4̅. Georg Still von Dantzig Weber
5̅. Carl Küchinger, von Wien, vnd
6̅. Ludwig Woidtke von Dantzig Kürßner.
Seindt von Martin Kähl von zullich in der Marck brandenburg, als ietziger Zeit hauptmannen über die Brüderschafft von St. Marx, in Ostermes 1670. zu Meistern des langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

34[r]

1̅ . Johann Becker von Hamburg dripp⸗, vnd Sammetmacher.
2̅ . Christian Riel von Leipßig Lebkuchenbecker
3̅ . Gottfriedt Glatz von Breßlau Studiosus.
4̅ . Conrad Koers von Hamburg, Metzger
Seindt von Martin Kähl von zellich in der Marck Brandenburg als ietziger Zeit Hauptmannen über die Brüderschafft von St. Marx in Herbstmeß 1671. zu Meistern deß langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt vnd zugelassen worden.

[34v]

1̅ . Christoff Fellbaum von Altdorff Becker
2̅ . Tobias Strauß von Sanct Veit aus Lützenburg
Seind in Ostermeß 1674 von Johannn Beckern, an statt Martin Kähls als ieziger Zeit Hauptmannen der brüderschafft von St. Marx, zu Meistern des langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt und zu gelassen worden.

1̅ . Johann Conrad Hartmann, von Rudolstatt, Becker
2̅. Adam Reimetshoffen, von Seiming in ostrich, Becker
3̅ . Johann Martin Schmuckert, von Lunbach, d Ober⸗Pfaltz, Becker
Seind mense octobri 1686. von Johann Beckern auß Hamburg, alß jetziger Zeit Hauptmann über die Brüderschafft von S. Marx, zu Meistern des langen Schwerdts geschlagen, approbirt und zugelassen worden.

35[r]

[empty]

[35v]

đ 24. Marti 1716. Sind Von Johann Henrich Hofmann von Münchenberg beidig, so mit tüchtigen Vollemacht zu sehen gwesen, an statt des gewesenen Hauptmanns, folgende der Brüder⸗schaft zu St. Marx, folgende zu Meistern des langen Schwerds geschlagen, approbirt u. zugelassen worden.
1̅. Johann Hausse Von Coblentz, Landen u. Bierbrawe.
2. Joh. Gottfrid, Schmelzer Von Pegau auß Sachsen, Kirschner.
3. Christof Martiny von Tieffensen in Schleßien, Becker.
4. Johann Adam Opitz von Schweiniz in der Schleßien, Kirschner ./.

[36 empty folios follow; the original last folio has been cut out. The new final page bears the pencil note Marxbrüder UgB Nr. 13 at the bottom]


  1. Which I had the pleasure to attend on 26 May 2025 at ISG Frankfurt. There also is a recording from 27 November 2025, wherein she introduces a foundational sociodemographic study from 18:20 onward. ↩︎
  2. Maar (1961): “Anfang, Blütezeit und Verfall der Fechtkunst in Nürnberg vom 14. bis zum 19. Jahrhundert.” ↩︎
  3. Institut für Stadtgeschichte (ISG) Frankfurt: H.18.02 (Marxbrüder und Federfechter: Urkunden und Akten des Rates) Nr. 13. ↩︎
  4. The folio numbering (added later in pencil) runs 1–7, 35, 8–35. In other words, the number 35 was assigned twice. This duplication may be the result of a later rebinding, as the ISG FFM stamp appears on the recto of the first folio numbered 35, indicating that it once formed the end of the volume. In addition, a folio between 8 and 9 was clearly cut out, and the second folio 35 is blank on its recto, with text only on the verso. ↩︎
  5. Later inventories (cf. toward the end of my last article), also do not contain a newer record book. ↩︎
  6. The dataset covers most of the brotherhood’s tenure, except for the less documented early years 1450–1491, and the waning years post 1716, along with a small documentary gap 1566–1583 (between the two chronicles).
    ↩︎
  7. Schmied-Kowarzik & Kufahl (1894): Fechtbüchlein, p. 114. ↩︎
  8. Sachs (1567): Ständebuch. ↩︎
  9. Sachs (1567): Ständebuch. ↩︎
  10. Sachs (1567): Ständebuch. ↩︎
  11. As discussed in her excellent talk on the Marxbrüder, with a recording from 27 November 2025 available online, courtesy of DDHF. The part about Marxbrüder occupations starts at around 18:20. ↩︎
  12. Sabine Kindel also provided a tabular analysis of several locations in her DDHF talk from about 21:00 onward. ↩︎
  13. Schwertbund Nürnberg: “Geschichte der Fechtkunst. Nürnberg – ein historisches Zentrum der Europäischen Kampfkunst.” ↩︎
  14. Ibid. He died seven years after becoming a master, in 1590. His epitaph on St. Rochus Cemetery, Nuremberg is located at 49°26’50.5″N 11°03’37.6″E (cf. Leuchtenstern) and features canting arms: St. Mark’s lion with a long sword in the top field and the crest of a divided shield, with a goat in the bottom field (“Gaißmann” literally translates to “goat man”). Around the arms appear locks, alluding to his profession. I am indebted to Werner Ueberschär for making me aware of this epitaph. ↩︎
  15. H.18.02 Nr. 13, fol. 3r. The record book starts in that same year, so he may already have been master for some time. ↩︎
  16. H.18.02 Nr. 13, fol. 4v–7r. ↩︎
  17. H.18.02 Nr. 13, fol. 4v. I inferred his age from his epitaph: he died on 17 November 1621 at 55 years of age. ↩︎
  18. ISG FFM, H.19.01, 2468 locates it there. This would likely be outside the old town fortifications and south of the Jewish quarter. The garden’s name could also refer to the knightly family Schelm von Bergen. ↩︎
  19. Beyschlag (1803): “Beyträge zur Nördlingischen Geschlechtstheorie,” vol. 2, p. 101 f. ↩︎
  20. In 1803, it was listed as number 74 and located beneath the organ. It displayed the familiar Marxbrüder arms: a black shield bearing a winged lion with a sword in his right (here also with a book in his left). A 1914 reference notes that the epitaph included a portrait and had been renumbered to 86. According to Wikimedia photographs, there are indeed epitaphs beneath the side organ today, but the image quality is too poor to determine whether one of them belongs to Faul. He also appears as a sealer in 1608, so it is possible that another Marxbrüder seal survives in the Nördlingen city archives under signature U 7392 dating to 1603 April 4/14 (cf. Stadtarchiv Nördlingen, p. 39). ↩︎
  21. H.18.02 Nr. 13, fol. 4r. ↩︎
  22. Ueberschär (2014): “LAUS NORINBERGAE,” p. 13 f. Ueberschär first pointed me to this connection in his footnote 34. Since our Paulus Reuter matches name, occupation, origin, and chronology – and since he is the only carpenter in the entire dataset – this identification appears highly probable. ↩︎
  23. Ibid. ↩︎
  24. H.18.02 Nr. 13, fol. 8r–9v. ↩︎
  25. Verein für Alterthumskunde in Frankfurt am Main (1858): “Marckschiffs Nachen,” p. 358. ↩︎
  26. He is one of only two Altreißes (cobblers) in the entire dataset, and the only one who fits this chronology. ↩︎
  27. Marckschiff (1596). ↩︎
  28. Gruber: “Die Marktschiffe,” Frankfurt-Lese. ↩︎
  29. H.18.02 Nr. 13, 12v–13v. ↩︎
  30. Virtual Museum: Nuremberg Art. ↩︎
  31. H.18.02 Nr. 13, 18v. ↩︎
  32. Kleinau (2013): “1561 Onophrius Sockh, a Marxbruder and veteran of war of Vienna.” ↩︎
  33. H.18.02 Nr. 13, fol. 19v f. ↩︎
  34. For a much more substantiated and eloquent argument for why Kreußler was not a Marxbruder, see also this 2023 article and its continuation by J. Christoph Amberger. ↩︎
  35. I found a catalogue of books sold at the 1618 fair. ↩︎
  36. It would be interesting to check the council notes at ISG Frankfurt to confirm this hypothesis in future research. ↩︎
  37. H.18.02 Nr. 13, fol. 21v. ↩︎
  38. H.18.02 Nr. 13, fol. 24v ff. ↩︎
  39. E.g., H.18.03, Nr. 12 and 24. ↩︎
  40. H.18.02 Nr. 13, fol. 32v. ↩︎
  41. Master’s certificates issued by him are in H.18.03, Nr. 11 and 13. There also is a convolute of letters (54 pages) from and to him in the years 1670 and 1671 under H.18.03 Nr. 25. ↩︎
  42. Frankfurt University Library (2002): “Georg Zwickel von Nurnberg.“ ↩︎
  43. H.18.02 Nr. 13, fol. 34 r. ↩︎
  44. Public domain image asset adapted from a work by Robert Szydlik. ↩︎
  45. Original: “vor die schirmeyster, die in Sant Marcus bruderschaft sÿnt,” cited after Koch (1892), p. 64. The underlying source can be found under ISG FFM, H13.14, Nr. 16, p. 168 ff. ↩︎
  46. “Schirmeyster” (and its variant spellings) undoubtedly means fencing master(s). Koch appears to not have considered the layered Latin additions from 1474–1476, which refer to “dimicatores” (i.e., fighters or fencers, not shoemakers), nor the “Frankfurt Fencing Regulations” in the Medel Fechtbuch, which clearly attest to the Marxbrüder’s affiliation with the Dominican Monastery. See my previous article for further details. ↩︎
  47. See the following quotes (italics mine): “In recent times, the House assumed the name S. Marcus, and I still saw the depiction of the saint in life-size painted with the golden subscription at Sanct Marcus,” Battonn (1867): “Oertliche Beschreibung der Stadt Frankfurt am Main. 3, Die Beschreibung der Altstadt und zwar des südlichen und westlichen Theils der Oberstadt,”p. 141. “One can read in the local newspaper in September 1787: ‘the house Lit. L. No. 148 called at St Marcus or Shoe House.’” Battonn (1867), p. 142. ↩︎
  48. The painted façade with St. Mark – which briefly caused the name to change from House Schildknecht to House St. Marcus – was created by master builder and painter [Johan] Conrad Unsin[ger] (cf. Reiffenstein Manuskript, vol. 6, p. 121), who was active in Frankfurt during the early 1700s. This is a quarter millennium after the misunderstood Chronicon entry, some 200 years after the Marxbrüder ceased their affiliation with the Dominicans, and at the end of the guild’s documented period (up to 1716). ↩︎
  49. Public domain image reproduced from Kleiner (1728/1735): “Florierendes Frankfurt,” Wikimedia. ↩︎
  50. Battonn (1867), p. 141. ↩︎
  51. Cf. my Marxbrüder Master Dataset: Veltten Wolspach (1539), Veltten Siechs or Susß (1542), Lienhart Hoffer (1548), Andreas Benawiz (1549), and Conrad Fridwag (1584). While these occurrences cluster around the 1540s, none of those masters is from Frankfurt or in the vicinity. ↩︎
  52. Sachs (1568): Ständebuch. ↩︎
  53. See ISG FFM H.12.05 Craftsmen: Charters → 5 Clothing → 5.1 Shoemakers. A convolute under H.12.05, Nr. 785 records several incidents involving armed violence among journeymen (e.g., Hans von Gröltz intimidating Hans Born von Kirn with a drawn sword; Hans Wacherswan von Wilpershausen chasing Hans Fuchsle’s family with two drawn swords). As a separate curiosity, the shoemakers also issued an ordinance in 1596, prohibiting “disorderly and excessive drinking” in the guild hall (H.12.05, Nr. 777). ↩︎
  54. “O. U. 1406. Das Stift S. Barthol. verleiht zu ewigem Zins das Haus zum Schildknecht den Owern als von der Schuhmecher Handwerk.” (Battonn, p. 140, footnote 139); Further sources at ISG FFM include: H.14.09, Nr. 607; H.15.10 Nr. 3522 and Nr. 3872. ↩︎
  55. Lion’s vector asset from Wikimedia Common (CC-BY SA 3.0), created by Jmh2o. ↩︎
  56. See also my last article on the 1670 augmentation. ↩︎
  57. Waßmannsdorf (1870), p. 9. Although the lion had already stood upon this trimount on the original 1541 grant and not only the 1670 augmented grant (cf. here), I deem this interpretation plausible: In their own armorial augmentation from 1688, the Federfechter also added a “Greifenberg” (i.e,. “griffon’s mount”) to their name (Schaer, p. 69), which probably references their coat of arms (cf. Wikimedia), rather than a specific house of that name in Prague. ↩︎
  58. Verein für Geschichte und Altertumskunde in Frankfurt am Main (1896), p. 39. ↩︎
  59. Euler (1863), p. 223, footnote 194. ↩︎
  60. I provide the passage in full – it merely mentions that the Marxbrüder were active during the trade fairs, their privileges, and the rivaling Federfechter: “Es ist auch zu gedencken / daß / wie Munsterus in seiner Cosmographia meldung thut / in beyden Franckfurter Messen / die Fechtmeister zu Franckfurt / und sonsten nirgendswo Ge⸗walt haben / die Marx⸗Brueder unter den Kunst Fechtern / gleich wie die Federfechter zu Prag / zu Meistern deß Langen Schwerdts zu machen / unnd denselben den Tittul der Meisterschafft zueignen / so von den Roemi⸗schen Koenigen den Franckfurter Buergern / vor eine sonderbahre Freyheit gegeben wor⸗den. Aber Martin Zeiler gedencket dieses in dem Außzuge seines Teutschen Reysebuchs pag. 465. in 8. 1662. zu Ulm getruckt auff solche weise: Es wollen etliche / daß unter den Kunstfechtern / die Marxbrueder / allein all⸗hier / zu Franckfurt / und zwar in waehrenden Messen / gleich wie die Federfechter zu Prag / zu Meistern deß Langen Schwerds gemacht werden. Deß Keysers Friderici IV. den Frey⸗Fechtern ins gemein / im Jahr 1487. gegebe⸗nes Privilegium, so in meiner Topographia Hassiæ fol. 29 zu lesen / saget hievon nichts. Aber dessen bin ich wol berichtet / daß die Frey⸗Fechter ins gemein dem Rath der Statt Franckfurt / solches Privilegium, so die fol⸗gende Kaeyser confirmirt / hinderlegt / oder zu verwahren gegeben haben.” ↩︎
  61. In 1486, the tailor Hans Hoenberger and his wife Else sell House Lewenberg located in Thongis Gassen to juror Hans von Eyne and his wife Katharina – cf. Giessen University Library, charter 200, lines 5 and 8. Some years later, the Liebfrauen monastery receive a meal and a donation of wine in House Lebenberg, which the editor equates with House Löwenberg in Töngesgasse. Cf. Jung (1888): “Wolfgang Königsteins Tagebuch,” in “Quellen zur Frankfurter Geschichte,” p. 34, footnote 5. ↩︎
  62. In 1582, the house (then called “Löwenburg”) was acquired by Martin Noë du Fay, a wealthy French-reformed tradesman – cf. Dietz (1910–1925): “Frankfurter Handelsgeschichte,” vol. 2, p. 10. A representative epitaph for his son Jean Noë remains on Peter’s Churchyard. In 1624, his granddaughter Maria sells the house to her brother-in-law Johann de Famar the Younger, also a tradesman – cf. ISG FFM, H.19.01, 593. ↩︎
  63. In 1803, the house resurfaces in possession of the family von Brentano-Gnosso, a line of the Lombard noble house Brentano. Afterward, tradesman and inventor Johann Valentin Albrecht buys the house which now serves as the Clubhouse of the Physical Society from 1827 onward – cf. Goethe University (2000): “Forschung Frankfurt,” vol. 3, p. 74. Albrecht sells the house in 1834. ↩︎
  64. Breuberg-Bund (2017), p. 79 pointed me to the source for the 1311 date at ISG FFM H.19.01, 1660. The 1610 date is given in Rittweger (2006): “Das alte Frankfurt,” cited after Riedel (2009). The house was rebuilt in 1651 according to the Reiffenstein Manuskript (vol. 7, p. 145), but ownership and function remain unclear. ↩︎
  65. ISG FFM, H.13.01, 855 and H.06.17, 229. ↩︎
  66. Kriegk (1862), p. 507, footnote 111. ↩︎
  67. The Ravenstein Plan of 1861 preserves the pre-war layout of the Old Town (cf. Wikimedia). Number 46 lies just above the “ö” in Töngesgasse, a placement that aligns with its present-day location when compared with modern mapping tools. ↩︎
  68. I found a substantial contribution from 3 July 2009 by user “Riedel” in Architekturforum Architectura Pro Homine. ↩︎
  69. Once more, special thanks to Sabine Kindel for bringing the Krachbein connection to my attention – see her 2025 talk “Die Marxbrüder – Spuren des fechtenden Handwerks in Frankfurt a. M.” from around 57:10 onward. ↩︎
  70. This is inspired by the emblem of the Jewish family Krachbeins, inhabiting a house of the same name in the Jewish quarter. The source for the vectorized bones is this open-source rendition by user apoo. ↩︎
  71. Battonn (1863), p. 29. ↩︎
  72. Specifically, it stood on the eastern side of Fahrgasse, in the block between the fourth and fifth passage leading to Predigergasse – directly opposite the Kircheneck (alias Würzburger Eck), and between the houses of Herbert Richter and Hohensteg (cf. Battonn 1863, p. 29). This corresponds to the house with the round portal I marked in red on the plan above. Becker locates its successor König von England at today’s Fahrgasse 80 in his “101 historische Orte in Frankfurt” (2024), pp. 56 f. ↩︎
  73. H.18.02 Nr. 13, fol. 4v–7r. ↩︎
  74. Last page of Teutonicus (1694): “Zuletzt Marx Lucas Freund, die Fechter sahen wir / Im Krachbein wundersam sich klopffen für und für” The cover of this edition also features beautiful copper engraving of the river Main with ships on it. ↩︎
  75. Rittweger (2019): “Das alte Frankfurt am Main,” p. 89. ↩︎
  76. Verein für Geschichte und Alterthumskunde (1892): “Archiv für Frankfurts Geschichte und Kunst. Neunter Band,” p. 75 f. ↩︎
  77. Verein für Alterthumskunde in Frankfurt am Main (1858): “Marckschiffs Nachen,” p. 357. This almost certainly was a dark, smoky beer, since malt kilning over open fires remained common practice until the nineteenth century – cf. Brauhistorische Mitteilungen 2022, vol. 7 nr. 2, p. 13. ↩︎
  78. Battonn (1863), p. 29. ↩︎
  79. A chronicle records that in 1571, a duke of Anhalt stayed here with his entourage, requiring 50 horses to be stabled (Lersner 1706, vol. 1, p. 351). ↩︎
  80. Jaquin’s Chronicon Praedicatorum (c. 1740): “in cuius Scuto ante domum pendulo conspiciebantur duo angeli tenentes in utraque extremitate os in medio sui fractum et quasi divisum,” vol. 2, p. 282, cited after Battonn’s Oertliche Beschreibung, p. 30 in this 1863 reprint. ↩︎
  81. Cod.I.6.2º.5. The surviving regulations exist in two versions: an earlier, shorter ordinance from 1491 (fol. 8v f.) and a substantially expanded and more formalized revision from the 1530s (fol. 14 v to 17r). The description here follows the later, more detailed form, which should therefore reflect the sixteenth‑century practice more accurately. ↩︎
  82. For this timeframe, the one of 1566 would be relevant (H.18.03, Nr. 8; transcription available here). However, it only concerns administrative, financial, and disciplinary matters rather than the examination or admission of masters. ↩︎
  83. Original: “zum Meister des Schwerts öffentlich im Krachbein geschlagen” or similar. H.18.02 Nr. 13, fol. 4v to 7r. ↩︎
  84. i.e., Zornhau, Krumphau, Twerhau, Schielhau, and Scheitelhau. ↩︎
  85. Six modules combining and expanding on the previously tested techniques. For the technically inclined, these are (Cod.I.6.2º.5 fol. 15r f.): i. Schwäche and Stärke (probably plays from the bind, incl. Winden and Fühlen), ii. Zornhau-Ort, iii. Krumphau → Abschneiden, iv. Schielhau and Scheitelhau, v. Twerhau → Zucken → hit, vi. Alber as Versetzen.
    Eric Burkart (habilitation 2025, p. 148 f.) notes striking parallels with Liechtenauer’s Zettel, suggesting continuity between 14th German fencing and the 16th-century Marxbrüder tradition. For example, “zoren Ort jm trawer” (Cod.I.6.2º.5, fol. 15r) echoes “zornhaw ort dem trawt” (MS 3227 a, fol. 23r). I further note that “alber der versazung” corresponds to “alber vorsatzt”; for an interpretation of Alber as Versetzen, see Paul Becker.
    Burkart reads these correspondences as conscious recollection of the older tradition amid declining skill among newer fencers. This aligns with the fact that the 1534 regulation was issued under captain Laux Braun (Cod.I.6.2º.5, fol. 14r f.), following the brotherhood’s earlier hiatus during the reformatory unrest. ↩︎
  86. “auff freÿer walstat doch jnn Freÿer kunst” (fol. 15v). ↩︎
  87. In addition to these ritual offerings, the newcomer also had to pay 2 Shillings to maintain the imperial privilege: “Es soll auch Ein jeder newkomender maister 2 ß jn die Büxen geben das man die Kaiserlichen Freihait damit Erhalten moge” (Cod.I.6.2º.5, fol. 17r). ↩︎
  88. The year 1618 coincides with the Defenestration of Prague (the outbreak of the Thirty Years’ War) and the Red Record Book also pauses in that time – see Part I of this article. ↩︎
  89. Kleinau (2011): “The Marxbrüder chronicle from the Cod.I.6.2o.5 and other sources.” ↩︎
  90. Ueberschär (2024): “Personenverzeichnis Nürnberger Fechter und Fechtmeister,” as of 28 October 2024. ↩︎

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