Fähnlein Rechberg

Fähnlein Rechberg

Under the sign of the red lions

The Fähnlein Rechberg in the Frundsberg Festring is dedicated to the competition and tradition of crossbow shooting. It takes its name from the Swabian noble family of the Knights of Rechberg, who also ruled over the town of Mindelheim from 1432 to 1467, but for financial reasons were forced to sell it to the Tyrolean knightly family of Frundsberg. However, it is not only the name of the Fähnlein that is closely linked to Mindelheim's eventful history. Shooting also looks back on a long tradition here, as evidenced by a picture of the town from around 1360, which already records a shooting range for steel crossbowmen. The crossbow guild has existed in its present form since 1966, since when the crossbowmen and women have practised shooting at the target and shooting at the eagle and star. The approximately 30 active members have access to an optimally equipped shooting range in Eichet. This is where the practice takes place, as the shooters regularly take part in the Swabian, Bavarian and German championships.

In addition to everyday practice and shooting, the Fähnlein can also be found at the Frundsberg Festival. Here, the Fähnlein maintains a shooting range in its large camp near the parish church of St. Stephan, where even laymen have the opportunity to try their hand at the crossbow. By the way, this attraction is not only popular with the grown-ups, but also with the little ones. On the traditional children's afternoon, the Rechberg shooting range is under constant siege by the little lansquenets and sutlers. Geographically somewhat out of the way, but not unnoticed, the Fähnlein also traditionally organises a festival eagle crossbow shoot in Eichet on the first weekend of the festival, where the marksmen compete with those of the Winzerer Fähndl from Munich.

The crossbow itself was one of the most feared weapons in the Middle Ages because of its high penetrating power, even over long distances. Its use, however, remained reserved for the privileged classes of the population, which can certainly be explained by the acquisition costs. The development and spread of lighter and more effective firearms eventually restricted the use of the crossbow to hunting and sporting competition. In the latter, the so-called bird or target crossbow is used by the Rechbergers. The coat of arms shows in gold two red lions with intertwined tails.

Further information on the homepage of the Fähnlein Rechberg

www.faehnlein-rechberg.de

Office of the Festring

Frundsberg Festring Mindelheim e.V.
"Alte Fronfeste" – Imhofgasse 3
87719 Mindelheim

Contact

08261 / 5584
08261 / 738441
info@frundsbergfest.de

Office's open hours

Tuesdays: 9 am to 12 pm
Thursdays: 2 pm to 5 pm
Support: Doris Kawan

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