Company markings prior to 1899

Company markings has been used for quite some time, but they are not as “visible” as e.g. ranks or regimental markings.

One of the oldest examples of company markings are from “Värmlands regiment” 1783.
At the royal guards certain metrological or astrological signs were uses as company markings.

The Cavalry use different shapes of the cross or the Malteser cross, but also symbols according to above were used.

Below are some examples of different company markings.

Svea Livgarde.

Göta Livgarde.

Symbols stamped on e.g. equipment and horses at Kronprinsens Husarer.

I have tried to identify some of the symbols found on bayonets.
Usually they stamped the bayonet on the arm, but markings have also been found on the ricasso.

The markings below have not been verified, it is still tentative!

Marking	Description	Bayonet
	Star. Not yet identified.	m/1762
	Unknown symbol, what is it ? Not yet identified.	m/1796
	Jupiter. Svea livgarde 8th company.	Unknown bayonet, similar to m/1815
	Triangle Svea Livgarde, 7th company or Göta Livgarde, 7th company	m/1815
	Mars or iron, Svea Livgarde, 2nd company eller Göta Livgarde, 3nd company	m/1815
	Arrow Göta Livgarde, 6th company	m/1815
	Sun Svea Livgarde, life company	m/1815

Examples of astrological symbols.

References

· ”Uniformsdetaljer” by Tore Karlsson (Samlarförbundet Nordstjärnan).

· ”Svenska arméns uniformer 1875-2000” by Simon Olsson.

· ”Kronprinsens husarregemente, Sveriges försvar III”, G Peyron.