Probably he was a member of a traditional conservative student association at university. Their traditions go back to the mid-19th century. Some of them still practice duelling with sabers. Those student associations are called "schlagende Verbindung". The duel is called "Mensur": http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mensur_(Studentenverbindung). Some parts of the head and the face are not protected in those duels. That�s the reason why some of the participants have scars.
