Onto the Reveries

First up we have the shoes and legwear. This one should prove fairly simple, but who knows.
Unfortunately I am writing while suffering from lack of sleep, one hand usable and no chance of picking up my copy of the book - are babies not wonderful (of course they are, but....)


The picture above shows the clogs recommended for when in camp. I cannot really make out the leg wear, it is either a very high gaiter (there is a change in the shading under the jacket on the right leg) or a tight fitting full length trouser, similar to that worn by grenzers.
This photo shows the alternative footwear of low shoes, as recommended for duty in the field. Again the leg wear could be either of the options given above. From behind the overall look is very much that of a Grenz from slightly later in the century (I have a drawing of one circa 1790 that this combination of shoe and trouser is shown).

Any suggestions? I can't quote from Dover at the moment but one of the earlier posts (on gaiters) does have the quote about the legwear.

Tying up the loose ends.

As promised, the original figure based on how I viewed the uniform described by de Saxe. In this example the 'Turkish Coat' has been rolled and strapped to the bag on the figures left hip.

The coat is loose fitting and has full tails/skirts, folded back to the maximum, worn with a mid length waistcoat/veste underneath.
The musket is based on one desribed in Reveries and being about 60 inches long.
Two comparison shots against an RSM95 Austrian Grenadier.
Problems encountered - the figure has grown by 2mm during the making. All of this extra height is in the body of the figure. The chest seems to have expanded out of all proportion to the rest of the body. Some detail is way too thick i.e. belts. However I hope I can work around all of these things when the 'real' figures are started. Yes I know the hands are not finished and that the musket is far too chunky.
All in all I was quite pleased with the result overall. Obviously more practice is needed, mostly on scaling, and more patience is needed as I want to be changing things constantly. For the new figures I will have several on the go at once which should keep me from tampering too much.
Next up is to get him painted while I work on a few basic armatures for the next batch.

The Way Forward

I have spent the last couple of nights thinking a lot about this project and getting quite excited about it. The hard decision has been about how to proceed. When I started thinking about doing this (nearly two years ago), I wanted to get to an end point that gave me some miniatures that reflected de Saxes writings.
Thanks to Google (and Jean-Louis for finding it), we now have uniform plates from as near the original as we can get, along with the original text. My plan is, unless someone has a better suggestion, to discuss each part of the uniform in turn. Using the plates from the book, the translation of the text that I have (2007 Dover Publications reprint of the 1944 M.S.P.Co edition) and the translation of the original text that Jean-Louis has kindly offered to provide. This should enable us to start off in the right direction.
Then I only need to learn how to sculpt to areasonable level and we are there!

A Change of Direction

Since the delivery yestereve of an original copy of Reveries, Herr Gruns has been thinking and planning all night long.
His intention now is to first complete his original idea for the commission given to him by the Duchess and then to produce the more accurate version as portrayed in the original book. To aid him in this he respectfully requests that Jean-Louis join him here in Strackenz to provide help and assistance in the translation of the book.

Jean-Louis - My Thanks

Fassbinder the Steward finds a Gunsmith

Picture heavy, but this is a beautiful piece designed by Herr Wardlaw, originally of Connecticut, but now resident here in Strackenz. Following the recent successful trials of the breech mechanism it is to be adapted to the use of the Legions in their muskets.
This original piece was offered to the Duchess, who graciously returned it along with the honour of recieving a Ducal warrant as Gunsmith for Strackenz.

Back in the Workshop of Herr Gruns

Work continues on outfitting his many illustrious clients. But during it all his mind is comparing the options available for what could be his largest commission.

Currently the issue is of gaiters. Should they be higher or lower?

The First Helmet Mock-Up

"Ah Schmied, you have the package Herr Landwirt?"

'Yes Master, he apologises for the rough finish, but you did request it as soon as was possible.'

'The finish is of no import, this will just be the initial idea for Fassbinder to show the Duchess. Come along boy, get it out of the box!'







'Not too bad Schmied, as Landwirt says the finish is not ideal but the effect is pleasing. Let us hope the Duchess also thinks so. All it needs now is some colour before it is presented. That can be your job for today, keep it simple and to the point. And while you are at work upon that, I will start on the clothing.'

At Breakfast

"Good Morning Master, I trust you slept well? Your breakfast awaits."

'A good morning to you Schmied, it is well that you keep to your duties. Today you will progress with your studies in what I hope to be a most useful manner.'

'As always Master Gruns, I am at your service and eager to learn.'

'Come, join me at table and let us discuss the day ahead.

When I retired yestereve, I took to my room the copy of Reveries by M. de Saxe. Having read it through several times, I believe that we have the opportunity to use our imagination to a very large extent. Here, let me give you an example -

"In place of hats, I should prefer helmets.
They do not weigh more than hats, are not at all
uncomfortable, protect from a saber blow,
and are sufficiently ornamental."

That is it, there is no further description. Do you not think that we can design these new uniforms using our ideas based upon these writings? We only have to ensure that it meets the three points shown above.'

'Master, should it not also be easy to produce and not cost more than is needed?'

'Schmied, you have been paying attention during these past months, well done. Today, we shall work upon our design for the helmet and then you may take it to Herr Landwirt who has his workshop on Schlauehandwerker Strasse.

In his writings de Saxe takes every opportunity of praising the Ancient Romans in all things martial, so I propose that we base our design upon theirs. In its simplest form their helmet was akin to a shallow bowl, with straps fastening around the face and sometimes with a peak at the front and the rear. Something like this:

Now how can we make this our own?'

'What will the helmet be made of Master, will it be metal or leather?'

'Leather, it must be leather. It is lighter, easier to look after and we have it in abundance here in the Duchy. The trick will be to give it the best ornemantation that we can and for that we will use metal, probably Brass. I thought a comb and maybe a plate at the front, similar to that worn by some fusiliers and grenadiers.'

'That would work well Master. Could we not also adorn the comb with feathers or horsehair?'

'You have me thinking again Schmied. But wool would be better, it lasts well and is easy to look after. A roll of it attached to the comb would look imposing and maybe a sheepskin tri around the helmet. Quick Schmied, let us get this drawn up and then off to Landwirts with you. He may be able to have something for us to look at by tomorrow.'

In the Workshop of Gruns theTailor

"Master, this is a great honour that has been given you by our beloved Duchess. However I do not know how we will fulfill this task, the instructions are so vague."

'Do not worry Schmeid, as the apprentice no blame will attach to you if we do not please our little Irma. Tonight I will, again, read the document which Fassbinder the Steward gave us and, again, pray for inspiration.

But I have also had copies of the description made and they will be sent with all haste to anyone who may help us.'

'Master, where did the Duchess get this design for the new uniforms from?'

'Ah Schmeid, it is not just the uniforms. I hear that the whole organisation of the army is to be changed and all because of this little book. Fassbinder did say that the Duchess recived it from one of her cousins in Albion where it was printed last year. I believe that it is called "Reveries on the Art of War" and was written more than twenty years ago by Marshal Maurice de Saxe. It is said that he wrote it while being in an ill humour, and, judjing by what we have been given, I would have to agree! Now Schmeid off to bed, tomorrow will be a busy day.'