| Unit ObjectiveOur unit impression presents the material and military culture of mid 17th
C Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (Poland, for short). The contribution of Polish culture
and arms to our civilization is not well known, and the innovative role played by
artillery in her armies is virtually a secret - our educational mission is to correct this
(while having a great time!). Our presentation is an excellent way to introduce
young people to our history - if you share this interest, help us. See Information for New Members.
(See pictures
of our group.)
A Commonwealth unit offers
a re-enactor an incredible degree of versatility in costume and arms, an army in which
uniform was rare, and where the wealthy dressed to impress. A trooper in full Turkish
armor and garb can stand next to an officer dressed in the latest Paris fashion without
the least historical incongruity. This is an army that had cutting edge field artillery
technology next to arqubusiers in the infantry and horse-archers in the Tarter ulans. Given
the resources of the unit, we will place particular emphasis on the integrated role of the
artillery, dragoons and cavalry in the Commonwealth armies. The specific period on which
we focus is from the Deluge 1653 to the raising of the siege of Vienna, 1683.
We are especially
inspired by With Fire & Sword, Potop(’Deluge’)and the other classics
by Nobel laureate, Henryk Sienkiewicz
 What does it take to join
us? One needs a bit of passion for the history and pageantry of the period, as well
as a sense of fun, and a willingness to get your hands dirty and to sweat the details.
Although experienced re-enactors and artisans are very welcome, you don't need
reenactment experience or a bunch of gear right off; our group and allies have some great
educational resources  available
to us. If you have the right motivation and attitude, we have the patience and
willingness to teach you what you need to know - hey, that's our unit objective! And
you don't have be Polish or Lithuanian or male or my age or be interested in military
things or anything one thing else in particular! There are many ways to participate,
so drop us a note. Also, if you are not from our area, but are interested in Slavic
or Tatar or Turkish themes, please contact us anyway.
Camp Scenario
The year is 1634, 1655,
1658, , 1674, or 1683 fighting Swedes, Muscovites, Tatars, Cossacks or Turks
...(click for details).
See the Hampden's
Gallery
Equipment  
The bronze 2 pounder ‘Kismet.'
Typical of mid to late 17th C. Polish Guns. The carriage is typical of
those used by the Polish light artillery at the time. The live fire shots are from the
first day she was fired, March 10, 2001.
Watch it go BOOM.
(download .mpg file, 1.5 MB)
Other weapons include
matchlock muskets, doglock carbines and pistols, rapiers, and Polish sabers and war
hammers.
Applicable armor can be
extremely varied, including plate, maile and scale, western and Turkish styles.
Dragoons are truly
mounted infantry, and can be outfitted as infantry. Dress can include western garb of the period as well as exotic eastern fashions.
Uniform as such for the core artillery crew would be the livery of the Orlicki household.
Coats would be long except for pre-1660 western fashion. By then the long coat, know as
‘Polish coat’ or 'Hungarian coat' had replaced the doublet and hose fashion even
in Madrid and London.
 Left, an Arquebuser, or
western style cavalry
Right, Rotmiestrz Buzinowski as a
pancerni cossack, medium cavalry, wearing a Misiurka, a mail helmet in common use at our
time
 Below
left, Marcin
Katski, our very own General of Crown Artillery in 1683. Having been in the service
of Conde, he is shown in western armor, and with a Charles II type wig or hairdo.
The Hungarian-style cravat was also in fashion in Paris.
Our Banner, Crossed Eagle Talons
|
Boleslav Orlicki’s 
The Lisowczycy
and 
Discussion Group 
