Sparker | 12 Jan 2009 11:07 a.m. PST |
Have any of the collective had a chance to assess this new book on Prussian uniforms. It ain't cheap, to my mind, but I'd be prepared to pay up if it'll rock my world
link
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Shootmenow | 12 Jan 2009 4:01 p.m. PST |
I have no idea myself but if you drop a line to Peter at Calpe Miniatures he's on the ball with Prussian reference material so he may be able to offer some enlightenment. He's also been very good in answering my queries on Prussian Napoleonic uniforms if there's something specific you're after. |
summerfield | 14 Jan 2009 4:09 a.m. PST |
Dear Sparker I am the author of the two volumes on Prussian Infantry 1808-40. Peter of Calpe Minatures kindly allowed me to reproduce his copies of the Bauer Plates which are an essential source for the uniforms of the Reserve Infantry Regiments. It should be available in February 2009. Volume 1 Line and Guard The Prussian Army was disastrously defeated of Prussian Army at Jena-Auerstädt in 1806. In 1808, the remnants of the 227 infantry battalions formed eleven infantry regiments (IR), a Guard infantry regiment and six grenadier battalions. The regimental history, organisation, colours (Fahne) and uniforms are explored and lavishly illustrated in this first volume on the Prussian Army during the late Napoleonic Wars (1808-14). The 180 plates include 44 colours (Fahne), 160 uniform depictions and 80 uniform/equipment details in colour. The 19th Century plates from the Bauer Plates, Herbert & Richard Knötel, Eckert & Monten, Krefeld, Neumann, Pietsch, Röchling and Wolf are supplemented by specially commissioned illustrations by Bob Marion and the author. In addition, there are 16 OOBs and 18 Tables. The shattered Prussian state halved in size, bankrupted and occupied by the French was able to transform its army under the guidance the Reorganisation Committee lead by von Scharnhorst. Its first test was as a reluctant ally of France in 1812. The Prussian Army quickly in the War of Liberation (1813-14) became the cutting edge of the coalition that defeated Napoleon. The General Staff was central to the improvement and resilience of the Prussian Army. Volume 2: Jäger, Reserve, Freikorps & New Regiments 1813-40 This second volume on Prussian Infantry 1808-40 looks at the evolution of infantry formations and tactics as consolidated into the 1812 Infantry Regulation, rifle armed light infantry battalions (Jäger and Schützen), Reserve Infantry Regiments, Freikorps and infantry until the death of Frederick William III. It was not until the 1820s that the reforms started during the late Napoleonic Wars were completed. Upon mobilisation in March 1813, the Prussian Infantry doubled in size by forming the Krumper, discharged soldiers and new recruits around a cadre of regulars to form Reserve Battalion that became Reserve Infantry Regiments 1-12 (1-12RIR) in June and in 1815, renamed IR13-24. These were supplemented by Freikorps and Foreign units that were absorbed into the Prussian Army in 1815 to form IR25-34. The regimental history, organisation, and uniforms from 1813 to 1840 are lavishly illustrated. The 102 plates include 175 separate uniforms in colour. In addition, there are 26 OOBs and 25 tables. Stephen |
mskelly | 15 Jan 2009 6:17 a.m. PST |
With Stephen Summerfield's permission, and that of the publisher, I've been able to make a short extract from each of the two volumes available as PDF files on my blog at: link Those might enable you to get a flavour of the content of the books. Enjoy! Martin |
von Winterfeldt | 15 Jan 2009 6:41 a.m. PST |
seem to be the best books in English about the Prussian Napoleonic Infantry. |
GJM FIGURINES | 15 Jan 2009 7:53 a.m. PST |
both books are top notch
..ive seen the PDF and will post a detailed appraisal later
unless Martin beats me too it! needless to say both books are a wargamers dream..glorious colur plates,OBS galore and packed to the gunal with information.see Martins link i have bought both books off Dave Ryan in advance already and aside from otto von von Pivkas and david Nashes great potbolier these weighty tomes fit the bill regards Ged |
mskelly | 15 Jan 2009 8:12 a.m. PST |
Well, I agree with you there Ged. I've got PDFs of the final proofs of the whole of both volumes and there's a huge amount of info in them. I will eventually post a detailed review on my blog but it's going to take me a while to read through in sufficient detail to do them justice. So you've got every chance of getting your detailed appraisal in first :-) Martin |
von Winterfeldt | 15 Jan 2009 2:37 p.m. PST |
One can only hope that Dr. Summerfield will continue to present all other branches of arms of the New Prussian Army as well. |
summerfield | 15 Jan 2009 3:22 p.m. PST |
Dear Von Winterfeldt Currently working on 18th Century Artillery Project. Drafts have been written that are a decade old upon the other services (2 Books – Artillery still a problem due to loss of records in 1945). Also Two books for the 1787-1807 period. At the way things are proceeding it is likely all this will come together in the next decade. Writing books alas takes a considerable time. Partizan are looking at the success of these two books. The Prussian Army is not as popular as the British, French and has been much maligned by those who have not bothered to understand that the Prussian Army was again dominant in Europe after the Napoleonic Wars. It was this instrument that unified Germany into one country. All the foundations were laid by Scharnhorst, Gneisnau, Clausewitz, Mufling etc
The transition in the early period is fascinating (1800-05). This is an area that I need to understand much better. Stephen |
GJM FIGURINES | 16 Jan 2009 1:02 a.m. PST |
ok Martin good man
..look forward too your apprasial regards Ged |
Sparker | 19 Jan 2009 9:11 a.m. PST |
Thanks Gentlemen. A very comprehensive response to my query, I do appreciate your time. Looks like I shall have to 'invest'
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summerfield | 19 Jan 2009 3:59 p.m. PST |
Dear Sparker If you have any questions then please contact me. The Prussian Army has been a passion since I started as a wargamer having won competitions with both the 1806 and 1813 armies. It is good when you can out shoot a British Army. The books on the army were lacking when I started. The main issue was the lack of understanding of the rules upon the flexibility of the command structure. Stephen Summerfield |
Rob UK | 21 Jan 2009 3:20 a.m. PST |
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GJM FIGURINES | 21 Jan 2009 6:54 a.m. PST |
got to be had hussarbob at all costs!! regards Ged |
Sparker | 04 Feb 2009 6:25 a.m. PST |
Stephen, Not wanting to rush you but its now Feb and no sign of these books on Amazon? Kind Regards, Ralph |
GJM FIGURINES | 04 Feb 2009 7:35 a.m. PST |
im right behind you Ralph panting with anticipation!! |
summerfield | 04 Feb 2009 8:17 a.m. PST |
Dear All I was told by the publisher that it will be published mid February. I would purchase it through Caliver Books who publish Partizan Press. You are not the only one looking forward to seeing the book. I started writing upon the Prussians 15 years ago. Stephen |
summerfield | 04 Feb 2009 9:45 a.m. PST |
Dear All Partizan Press (Caliver Books) should receive from the printer the Prussian Books on 20 Feb 2009. Stephen |
GJM FIGURINES | 04 Feb 2009 10:20 a.m. PST |
good news Stephen!! regards Ged now you can concentrate on your myraid of other projects!!! |
Sparker | 04 Feb 2009 11:15 a.m. PST |
Stephen, Thanks for your prompt reply (he said sulking). I guess patience is a virtue and all that
Kind Regards, Sparker |
summerfield | 04 Feb 2009 11:53 a.m. PST |
Dear Ged Currently working on the Saxon Artillery (1768-1815) which is certainly interesting. The plans drawn by Norman Swales are superb with mine getting better. The plans will be at 1:24 scale (77mm) and 1:60 scale (28mm). The M1768 Granatstuck of 120mm will certainly be a favourite firing Shrapnel and the M1810 12-pdr that is lighter than the Gribeauval 8-pdr. Certainly food for thought for the rules writers. Much to do on this and a tight deadline for the launch of Calpe Minatures Saxon range. Patience is a vurtue. Stephen |
GJM FIGURINES | 04 Feb 2009 3:41 p.m. PST |
Stephen cool
..in depth saxon artillery information thats a find and a half. goog old Norman Swales (mr artillery himself) how do you rate the saxon artillery in general? best regards Ged |
summerfield | 04 Feb 2009 4:22 p.m. PST |
Dear Ged The Saxon Ordnance is superb in design and function. The M1768 4-pdr Schnellfeuergeschutze with an interesting elevating system was among the best infantry support guns. It was quick fire as it suggests. Elevating system by a handle on the side. You can see a picture on DDS (2007) 88. The same carriage was used for the Granatstuck [rated as 4-pdr stone weight] Alas we did not have the plans when we wrote the book so it should be 120mm bore. It fired spherical case shot (i.e. Schrapnel). The M1810 12-pdr of 18 calibres was the lightest gun of that class except the Russian M1805 Light 12-pdr of 13 calibres. It was lighter than the Gribeauval 8-pdr. The M1810 8-pdr Howitzer is an elegant piece. Unclear whether it also fired shrapnel. I am looking forward to seeing the Calpe models made from Norman's Plans. Stephen |
Martin Kelly | 05 Feb 2009 7:50 a.m. PST |
I've seen Stephen's research, the plates and test castings of the Calpe Saxon ordnance. Anybody wishing to deploy Saxon artillery on their wargaming table is in for a treat. |
GJM FIGURINES | 05 Feb 2009 4:07 p.m. PST |
finally the Saxon army gets done properly !! you lucky man Martin
i bet those pieces are something else also seen Stephens work and detailed research
its going to blow people away regards Ged |