Poor Gruns

Starting out again has proved a tiring time for Herr Gruns. However he is delighted when word reaches him that the Duchess is providing him with extra resources to enable him to complete his task. It is hoped that they will be recieved before the end of the year. Until then he spends his time working on the patterns for the new uniforms.

For his own amusement he makes up his initial attempt into a completed outfit.

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.

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.'