A bit nippy here in Zum Stollenkeller today. . .

A somewhat atypical image for the GD of S blog at this time of year, but nevertheless appropriate as both the Grand Duchess and I await the various gifts we've ordered for each other and the Young Master Paul.

A fun couple of hours at the painting table last night after the Young Master's bedtime. The almost finished Fife & Drum British general and ADC are looking amazing (If I might be so bold) after I redid the dark blue facing colors in oil and fixed the white turnbacks on one of the figures. I also took care of powdered wigs, white breeches and shirtfronts, and reins/harnesses on their steeds plus white markings on the latter's muzzles and legs. Just a few things left to do now, chiefly metallic items and lace plus some touch-ups to their crimson sashes. Hopefully, I can wrap that up this evening. Then, General Pipeclay Higgenbotham-Bulling and his ADC can assume command of a wing of the Stollenian army arrayed just outside Neu Sittangbad. . . after receiving a coat or two of something glossy and shiny of course.

Let's finish off today's post, however, with a Victorian image of Santa Claus/Father Christmas. So far this year, I think that this one is my favorite.

Later. . .

For those of you with an interest in such things, the guide I am using to paint my vignette of British General and ADC can be found in Jon Mollo and Malcom McGregor's Uniforms of the American Revolution (Blandford Press, 1975). It's the very first color plate in the book, following the text, entitled 'British Staff Officers.' Many thanks to Rob G. for sending me the image below from Messrs Mollo's and McGregor's book!

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Presenting the Anspach-Bayreuth Kuirassiere!!!

Here they are, with the rearmost nine figures still drying, three squadrons of the Anspach-Bayreuth Kuirassiere, now in the service of the Grand Duchy of Stollen. And now, it's onto that artillery!

Taking Stock Part II: The (As Yet) Unpainted but Planned OOB. . .

Two companies of Reichsarmee grenadiers painted back in 2017 or 2018. Minden Austrians of course. A lovely early autumn day here in the grand duchy. Bright sunshine and a light breeze with cool temperatures will make for some very pleasant late afternoon lawn mowing in a little while. But first a bit more discussion of painting plans for the future. Last time, I looked back at the various and sundry units, support troops, and civilians that I've managed to paint in the last 17 years as the Grand Duchy of Stollen project has developed. So today, let's look into the seemingly bottomless Drawer 'o' Lead to my left for a clue to the new direction. Be forewarned, it's not going to be a quick job getting everything painted and based, but there we are. The following plans are based on the pile of unpainted figures already here. Any future purchases will be limited to small things that might be needed to fill out the envisioned units (the odd few officers mounted o

Having a "No Day". . .

F or the almost 20 years that she lived in Mexico, one of my late mother's Irish friends frequently mentioned having a "No Day." A day with no social obligations, chores, tasks, or other work that interfered with whatever personal interests took one's fancy on the day in question. Since today -- a gray and chilly Saturday -- is Mom's birthday, the Grand Duchess is out with friends, and the Young Master is ensconced on the sofa in the TV room with a cold, yours truly is taking his own such No Day. I think Mom would approve of my decision to make the world go away, as the old Eddie Arnold song intoned, even if only for a little while. So, I will spend Saturday afternoon focused on that first squadron and small regimental staff of Eureka Saxon cuirassiers. These have stood waiting untouched over on the painting table for almost three weeks while we skied and otherwise gadded about with snowy, winter outdoor activities. I hope to share a painting update Sunday a

The Grand Duchy of Stollen

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