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Wednesday, 6 November 2024

Austrian Commanders

With the sudden spurt of growth to the Austrian infantry it occured to me that they probably needed a few more commanders to lead them in the field. Now, as you know, Hinton Hunt only produced one Austrian General so I've had a bit of fun with some conversions.

This is the Emperor Francis converted from FN/224 French general in cocked hat. I've repositioned the hat and removed his epaulettes. I think he looks suitably regal. I read that Francis only styled himself 'emperor' in response to Napoleon taking that title.
Archduke Charles, the most able of the Austrian generals according to Bruce Quarrie. He is converted from BN/107 British general pointing again with hat turned and epaulettes removed. 

Finally, this is a straight casting of AN/102 Austrian general in cocked hat reading map to represent Schwarzenberg. The casting was generously donated by none other than the Archduke himself. He will be able to join Mack in the map reading classes at the Austrian Staff College. Goya (perhaps unkindly) suggested that the mid-region of this figure should be a bit more portly for historical accuracy!
"Over there your highness."
"Hmm, not sure, what does it say on the map Schwarzenberg?"

This has been a bit of fun and a useful distraction from finishing off painting the 26th Schroeder Regiment but I'm already back working on them now.

24 comments:

  1. A great start, but surely you'll need more if every regiment is to have commander?

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    1. Well spotted Rob, I will need a couple more.

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  2. Those conversions are very nicely done and painted.

    Schwarzenberg was a tubby chap. Have a look at his painting and statue! Poor horse.

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Philipp,_Prince_of_Schwarzenberg#/media/File%3AKarel_Filip_Schwarzenberg.jpg

    https://www.google.com/search?q=statue+of+prince+schwarzenberg&client=safari&sca_esv=985a3e9ec0e8fa84&hl=en-gb&udm=2&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiKu5y2gsiJAxWVSkEAHZT5L0AQ7Al6BAgJEAQ&biw=375&bih=625&dpr=2#vhid=GsucrgvH9hB6sM&vssid=mosaic

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    1. He does appear to be quite ‘circular’ as my grandson would say (they’re not allowed to use the ‘f’ word at school)…

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  3. Lovely command figures, well done on the conversions they all look that good bit different.

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    1. Thanks Donnie I’m pleased with the way they turned out!

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  4. Lovely toys Ian…
    A very useful distraction…

    All the best. Aly

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  5. A very creative staff group. Congratulations on the variants you have achieved.
    Stephen

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  6. Lovely job Ian - they look great. The Kaiserlik lads will be jumping to attention - they're brought up to do that, as you know, though I'm not so sure about the Hungarians. Schwarzenberg was only corpulent when he was off-duty, I understand. Regulation corset. Also he couldn't get cheese nachos when on campaign.

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    1. Thanks Tony, looks like I got it right then…

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  7. Very smart additions.

    (Perhaps on campaign Schwarzenberg was not as circular?)

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    1. Thanks Matt, that’s the view I’m taking!

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  8. Nice work! Must have taken a spot of patience to get the head gear from fore and aft to port and starboard, but you did the trick very nicely!

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    1. Thanks Bob, actually the hat work went quite easily but that may just have been luck!

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  9. You are a brave man! I have always been too afraid to remove the bicorns and reposition them, but you have done so seamlessly. Very nice conversion work.

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    1. David, the hat is not too much of a problem but in the process of removing it the face will inevitably get damaged so the reconstruction work is the biggest problem.

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  10. How absolutely ausgezeichnet! Well done Ian, these chaps really are the business. You'll find the Hungarians waltz to attention for Gyulai. I do agree that the face is the main issue in revolving bicornes.

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    1. Thanks Nigel, I’ll keep an eye on the Hungarians to see how they respond!

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  11. Daring, delightful and inspirational, as always. These are brilliant conversions, Ian!

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  12. For those without Ian’s skill, the easy (but very expensive option) is this.
    http://hintoncompatriots.blogspot.com/p/austrian-mounted-generals-and-infantry.html?m=0

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    1. They are nice but I didn't think they were still available?

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