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 Post subject: Polish Winged Hussars
PostPosted: Wed Apr 18, 2012 10:17 pm 
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Hello all,
So I have a silly question about these troop types, what's the difference between the one and two winged hussars? Other than the obvious.

I have no references concerning the Polish Army for the Scanian War, would getting the Ospreys' books, "Polish Armies 1 & 2 1569 - 1696" worth getting?

Thanks.

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 Post subject: Re: Polish Winged Hussars
PostPosted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 4:30 am 
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From a http://polishgreatness.blogspot.ca/2011/06/great-polish-warriors-winged-hussars.html Blog

WINGS

The most distinctive feature of the Polish Hussars were the pair of huge wings attached to their backs, each constructed of high wooden frames upon which eagle feathers were attached, although ostrich, swan and goose feathers had also been used. Feathers were inserted into a series of - bore into the length of the wood and the frame was either painted, or covered with crimson velvet and mounted in brass. By a series of metal rods on the batten, the wings were attached to the backplate of the hussar's armour. This symbolism is related to the Serbian practice of painting wings on cavalry shields. By the 1590s the double frame was replaced by a single decorative wing attached to back of the saddle on the left side.


It is believed that the Polish Hussars wore these wings for the purposes intimidating the enemy, and they have often been depicted in battle wearing wings. This is the image that has long promoted by painters through the ages and more recently by film productions. The reality however may be that the Polish Hussars donned these wings only for the ceremonial purposes and victory parades. The size and weight of such apparatus would have been cumbersome if not self-defeating during battles. Legend has it that the mere sight of these huge wings and the rustling sound they apparently made as the steeds charged in battle, were enough to unnerve infantrymen and horses. Such a spectacular sight would indeed alarm the enemy, but it is highly unlikely that feathers could emit any sound in the din of battle. However, one other feature contributed to the awesome appearance of the Polish Hussars: in addition to their uniforms (and wings), draped over one shoulder would be the pelt of a leopard, tiger, or wolf, the total of which must have struck fear in their enemies before they even attaced.

Hope that helps

Günter

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 Post subject: Re: Polish Winged Hussars
PostPosted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 7:32 am 
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Redmist, what do you mean with "one winged" and "two winged" hussars ? Could you link any picture ? The shape of wings and way of mounting them is more important than the number.

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 Post subject: Re: Polish Winged Hussars
PostPosted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 9:19 am 
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My very favourite troops of all time. I have seen modern re-enactors (about 60 of them in a flat out charge). EXTREMELY impressive. The one wing Hussars are from an earlier period, late 16th to early 17th century. As time went on and fashion changed the Hussars adopted the 2 wings. it is more imposing and makes them look larger. so really its just military fashion.


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 Post subject: Re: Polish Winged Hussars
PostPosted: Thu Apr 19, 2012 2:10 pm 
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Quote:
The one wing Hussars are from an earlier period, late 16th to early 17th century. As time went on and fashion changed the Hussars adopted the 2 wings.
Generally it's true.

More details could be found here:
http://kadrinazi.blogspot.com/
(in Polish only, but who cares in times of google translator !)
or more precisely, in posts labelled "husaria":
http://kadrinazi.blogspot.com/search/label/husaria

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http://zealandbayonets.blogspot.com/
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 Post subject: Re: Polish Winged Hussars
PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:20 am 
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Thank you all. Looks like 2-winged Hussars for the Scanian War.

I was looking at OG25's

http://www.oldgloryminiatures.com/products.asp?cat=193

I got one package from Foundry, now I need to supplement those guys with more to make a few squadrons.

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 Post subject: Re: Polish Winged Hussars
PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2012 2:28 am 
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Can someone tell me of what making theese boys are? Foundry?
Or are they their own production line :?: :

http://www.theassaultgroup.co.uk/store/ ... ductid=144

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"Sort your filth out by yourself!" The King of Saxony Friedrich August III., at his abdication 1918, referred to the quarrels in the parliament and the squabbling within the provisional government.


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 Post subject: Re: Polish Winged Hussars
PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2012 3:22 am 
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Yes they are their own product Gunter, and very nice figures they are too.

Bob

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 Post subject: Re: Polish Winged Hussars
PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2012 4:15 am 
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toggy wrote:
Yes they are their own product Gunter, and very nice figures they are too.

Bob


Thanks Bob :D

Btw., do you have sleeping problems too :?: :wink: :D

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„Macht Euch Euren Dregg alleene“

"Sort your filth out by yourself!" The King of Saxony Friedrich August III., at his abdication 1918, referred to the quarrels in the parliament and the squabbling within the provisional government.


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 Post subject: Re: Polish Winged Hussars
PostPosted: Fri Apr 20, 2012 9:12 am 
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TAG range of Polish figures is excellent. The hussars come in 1 and 2 wing varieties. I will however say that I think that the best hussar figures are by foundry. They are more expensive but definitely worth it.


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