Inventar eines Hauptmanns einer Stadtkompanie 1774 - Inventory of a captain of the city's company in 1774

Während wir oft über Vorgänge im Kreiskontingent informiert werden[1], erfährt man meistens wenig über die Stadtkompanien. 1775 hingegen ist der Lieutenant (wahrscheinlich der Rang des Kommandeurs) der „Über Kochener Compagnie“ gestorben, der durch den Rotgerber und ehemaligen Fähndrich Weckerle ersetzt wurde. Die ihm nachgeordnete Erste Sergeant und Seiler Röhler übernahm nun den Posten von Weckerle. Gleichzeitig war der Fähndrich der Kompanie „in der Gelbinger Gassen“ gestorben und wurde durch den amtierenden Ersten Sergeanten und „Hochzeit Bäder Kozner“ ersetzt. Die neuen Diensthabenden sollten vom Rat den Stadtsoldaten der jeweiligen Kompanien vorgestellt werden[2].

While we are often informed about events in the district contingent[1], we usually learn little about the city companies. In 1775, however, the lieutenant (probably the rank of commander) of the “Über Kochener Company” died, who was replaced by the red tanner and former ensign Weckerle. The first sergeant and roper Röhler, who was subordinate to him, now took over Weckerle's position. At the same time, the ensign of the company “in der Gelbinger Gassen” died and was replaced by the acting first sergeant and “Hochzeit Bäder Kozner”. The council should introduce the new officers to the city soldiers of the respective companies[2].

Porträt des Johann Friedrich Deutelin, Wirt der "Güldenen Glocke" und Hauptmann einer Stadtkompanie, Kopie nach Gemälde von Georg Adam Eger, 1779 - Portray of Johann Friedrich Deutelin, innkeeper of the "Güldene Glocke" (Golden Bell) and captain of one of the city's companies, copy of a painting by Georg Adam Eger, 1779 (photo: C. Hanselmann)

 

 

Die Reichsstadt verfügte im 18. Jahrhundert über 5 Bürgerkompanien, die dem Stadthauptmann oder Stadtleutnant als Oberkommandierenden unterstanden[3]. Die wesentlichste Aufgabe der Bürgerkompanien bestand in Wachtdiensten - insbesondere wenn die Kreistruppen abwesend waren oder wie in der Zeit nach dem Stadtbrand von 1728 komplett abgeschafft. Diese Kompanien wurden von Offizieren kommandiert, die ihrerseits anders als die Stadthauptmänner, keine professionelle militärische Ausbildung genossen hatten. Ein Inventar[4] eines solchen "Capitains der Burgerl. Compagnie jenseits Kochers" hat sich überliefert [5].

In the 18th century, the imperial city had 5 citizen companies, which were subordinate to the city captain or city lieutenant as commander-in-chief[3]. The most important task of the citizen companies was guard duty - especially when the district troops were absent or, as was the case after the city fire of 1728, were completely abolished. These companies were commanded by officers who, unlike the city captains, had not received any professional military training. An inventory[4] of such a "captain of the Burgerl. Compagnie beyond Kocher" has come down to us [5].

Dieser Hauptmann namens Johann Michael Zimmerer war auch als Baumwirt scheinbar neben seinem militärischen Rang eine bedeutende Person in seinem Stadtviertel. Seine vier Töchter vermochte er an einen Gastwirt in Eltershofen, einen Bäcker in Hall, einen Schmied und einen Leinenweber zu vermählen, während ihm sein einziger Sohn, Georg Michael, als Baumwirt nachfolgen sollte.

This captain named Johann Michael Zimmerer, as the "Baumwirt" (innkeeper of the "Baum"-tavern), was apparently, in addition to his military rank, an important person in his district. He was able to marry off his four daughters to an innkeeper in Eltershofen, a baker in Hall, a blacksmith and a linen weaver, while his only son, Georg Michael, was to succeed him as innkeeper of the "Baum"-tavern.

Inventar eines Baders von 1615 - Inventory of a barber from 1615

 Zufällig sind wir 2024 auf ein Inventar eines Haller Bürgers gestoßen, das sehr viele spannende Details über Kleidung und Bewaffnung eines Mannes des beginnenden 17. Jahrhunderts bietet. Der Name des Baders lautet Caspar Neuberkhen und er wird als "Bürger und Erekenbäder" tituliert. Schon auf der ersten Seite seines Inventars findet sich "Auss einer Musquete erlösst 6 fl 15 ß". Man bekam also für eine ehemals dem Bader gehörende Muskete 6 Gulden und 15 Schillinge.

By chance, in 2024, we came across an inventory from a citizen of Hall that offers a lot of exciting details about the clothing and weaponry of a man from the beginning of the 17th century. The bather's name is Caspar Neuberkhen and he is referred to as "Citizen and Erekenbäder". Already on the first page of his inventory there is “One musquet yields 6 fl 15 ß”. So you got 6 guilders and 15 shillings for a musket that formerly belonged to barber.

Rechts im Bild: wohlhabender Bürger mit großem Filzhut, großem Kragen, schwarzem Wams und Hosen sowie Rapier. Ähnliche Dinge hat der Bader hinterlassen. - At the right in the photo: a wealthy citizen with large felt hat, large collar, black doublet and trousers and a rapier. The bather was looking similar. (photo: M. Leyendecker, 2024)

Der Bader hinterließ neben Guthaben bei vielen anderen Bürger wie einem Schneider, der bei ihm Schulden hatte, natürlich viele Werkzeuge wie Scheren, die er für sein Handwerk benötigte. Einer Erbin namens Barbara hat er eine erstaunliche Menge an Büchern hinterlassen: ein Werk über das Neue Testament, ein "Teutsch Testament", "Ein geschrieben Argument", "Poemata Pythagorea", 5 kleine Büchlein "von allerhand Carminibs", ein Buch mit Fabeln von Äsop (!) sowie ein Buch mit Leichenpredigten. Ich habe offengestanden noch nie einen Nachlass an derart vielen und unterschiedlichen Büchern von einem Haller Bürger gefunden. Während die Töchter nur solchen Hausrat und die Bücher bekamen, erhielt sein Sohn Hans Caspar:

1 Muskete samt Gabel und "Schiesladen"

1 Luntenflasche

1 Zundfläschlein

1 "Rappier"

1 "Hellenbart"

1 Feldbinde

Leider erfährt man nichts zum Wert dieser Waffen und Ausrüstungsstücke. Zumindest die Hellenbarde und Feldbinde könnten auf eine hervorgehobene Rolle im Haller Stadtmilitär hindeuten.

 

Der Bürger von weiter oben mit Muskete, Rapier, Zündflasche, Gabel. - The same citizen with musket, rapier, powderflask and fork. (photo: D. Klotz, 2025)

In addition to credits to many other citizens, such as a tailor who was in debt to him, the Bader naturally left many tools such as scissors that he needed for his craft. He left an heiress named Barbara an astonishing number of books: a work on the New Testament, a "Teutsch Testament", "A Written Argument", "Poemata Pythagorea", 5 small books "of all sorts of Carminibs", a book with fables by Aesop (!) and a book with funeral sermons. To be honest, I have never found a legacy of so many and different books from a citizen of Hall. While the daughters only received household goods and books, his son Hans Caspar received:

1 musket with fork and "Schiesladen"

1 match bottle

 1 ignition bottle

 1 rapier

 1 "Hellenbeard"

 1 field sash

Unfortunately, nothing is known about the value of these weapons and pieces of equipment. At least the halberd and field armband could indicate a prominent role in Hall's city military.

Wundersame Zeichen - Miracolous signs 1625 p.3

Am Sonntag kamen wir zu Nachbarn um dort die Andacht abzuhalten. Mit "Die ganze Welt, Herr Jesu Christ" [1] sangen wir eines der neuen Lieder. In den hinteren Reihen wurde wie gewöhnlich von den Söldnern gewürfelt.

Auf dem Weg zur Andacht. - On the way to worship. (photo: S. Apfelbaum)

 

On Sunday, we visited our neighbors for worship. We sang one of the new hymns, "The Whole World, Lord Jesus Christ." [1] In the back rows, the mercenaries were rolling dice as usual.

Leider haben wir keine Kirche, die in die Zeit passt. - Unfortunately we have no church for our period. (photo: S. Apfelbaum)

Danach ging es wieder heim. Es wurde viel über das Essen gesprochen und ich sorgte vor allem dafür, dass der Trompeter vor dem Abmarsch der drei von dem Regiment Wittenhorst gut mit Speis und Trank versorgt wurde. Am Tag zuvor saßen die drei viel im Sattel. Besonders der Kürisser übte sich darin möglichst rasch die Rüstung anzulegen, was mir, meinem Knecht und einem Burschen zusehends besser gelang.

Sehr andächtig. - Very reverent. (photo: S. Apfelbaum)

 

After that, we headed home. There was a lot of talk about food, and I was primarily responsible for ensuring that the trumpeter was well-supplied with food and drink before the three men from the Wittenhorst Regiment set off. The day before, the three had spent a lot of time in the saddle. The cuirassier, in particular, practiced putting on his armor as quickly as possible, something that I, my groom, and a boy were becoming increasingly successful at.

Die drei Berittenen vom Regiment Wittenhorst. - The three riders of the Wittenhorst regiment. (photo: M. Leyendecker)

Wundersame Zeichen - Miracolous signs 1625 p.2

 Gegen Morgen ging es auch schon zum Alarmschießen, welches die Versammlung des Landvolkes durch das Feuern der Hakenbüchse auf dem Landturm [1] repräsentierte. 

In the morning, the alarm firing began, which represented the assembly of the rural population by firing the arquebus at the Landturm [1].

Landleute vor dem Alarmschießen. - Peasants before alarm firing. (photo: M. Leyendecker)

Auf dem Landturm war eine Büchse im Einsatz. - At the Landturm a small gun was used. (photo: M. Leyendecker)

Nun war die Frage wieviele Landleute das Schießen hörten und herbei eilten. Aus meinem Haus kam mein Sohn und ein Nachbar angelaufen. Als der Landhauptmann Rauchhaupt da war, hatte sich eine stattliche Anzahl Landleute mit Waffen eingefunden, auch wenn die Qualität der Bewaffnung zu Wünschen übrig ließ [2].

Now the question was how many peasants heard the shooting and rushed over. My son and a neighbor came running out of my house. By the time Captain Rauchhaupt arrived, a considerable number of peasants had gathered with weapons, even though the quality of the weapons left much to be desired [2].

Ich helfe dem Kürisser mit der Rüstung. - I'm helping the cuirassier with his armour. (photo: M. Leyendecker)

Während die Reiter immer wieder vor dem Wirtshaus aufsaßen, abrückten und zurückkehrten, versuchten Krämer ihre Gürtel, Taschen, Teller und so weiter an die Käuferschaft zu bringen. Besonders beeindruckend war für die Landleute der Anblick des voll geharnischten Kürissers. Die unweit meines Wirtshauses arbeitenden Schmiede kehrten immer wieder bei mir ein. Durch die Hitze an der Esse hatten sie natürlich ordentlich Durst, was den Gastwirt freute.

Der Reiter mit geschlossenem Helm. - The rider with his closed helmet. (photo: M. Leyendecker)

 

While the riders repeatedly mounted, departed, and returned to the inn, flying dealers tried to sell their belts, bags, plates, and so on to customers. The sight of the fully armored cuirassier was particularly impressive for the country folk. The blacksmiths who worked not far from my inn repeatedly stopped by my place. The heat from the forge naturally made them quite thirsty, which pleased the innkeeper.

Einige der Schmiede in meinem Wirtshaus. - Some of the black smiths in my tavern. (photo: S. Winter)

Fontenoy refight - anniversary wargame

Since my son kept asking me when we could recreate the Battle of Fontenoy from May 11 1745 again, I finally did it. Loyal readers will remember a series about this battle [1]. I was really struggling with myself, as I actually wanted to conclude my blog series on the War of the Polish Succession with the Battle of Klausen. I've also been told that there will be an event on site this year to mark the anniversary. But unfortunately, I'm busy on that date.

A view on our "battlefield". The small Austrian contingent in the foreground never made it into the fighting as it happened historicaly. (photo: C. Hanselmann, 2025)

 

This time, I've made an effort to ensure the battlefield is more topographically represented than last time. There are also a few new buildings I've recently acquired to admire. On top of that, I've now painted a Dutch cavalry regiment, which, of course, will also be used. Since I don't have any other Dutch mounted troops, I used Hessians [2] and Piedmontese horse instead.

I still used the same map as before. (map by A. Hanselmann)

I personally took over the Anglo-Dutch side, while my co-author here on the blog commanded the French. This battle presents a significant challenge for any player on the offensive side. The terrain between Antoing and Fontenoy is difficult to attack, as the Dutch not only face the well-entrenched French infantry in Antoing and Fontenoy, but also risk being under flanking fire the deeper they advance. Therefore, I decided from the outset to only hint at an attack here, but to have my best Dutch troops, as coordinated as possible with the Hanoverians, attack Fontenoy, which would be bombarded with massed artillery if possible.

Cronström refused to move and I knew that I had not much of time to take Fontenoy before de Saxe would have his Irish into the fighting. Therefore I ordered the Prince of Waldeck to advance nevertheless and I hoped to rely on my artillery. (photo: C. Hanselmann, 2025)

On the Redcoats' side, I intended to advance as quickly as possible before de Saxe could bring his Irish forward. Experience, not only from the historical battle but also from our game [3], has shown that the French Guards cannot withstand British platoon fire. The cavalry seemed to me to be of no use except to parry any attempt by Richelieu and the French cavalry to encircle them. Ingolsby's troops were only supposed to pretend that I was advancing against the redoubts, so that the Irish Brigade would be diverted from this approach.

The view of his majesty the king of France (here at the Justice d'Antoing). You can see here how the French Maison du Roi-cavalry moved towards the British. (photo: C. Hanselmann 2025)

 

This time, the battle unfolded quite differently. Except for an advance by the French cavalry against Ligonier [4], which then stalled, they remained defensive. As hoped, Ingolsby attracted the attention of the Irish troops.

 

The Dutch are charging one of the French redoubts next to Fontenoy and the village itself. Some defenders are forced to retreat. But the attack is too week and I decided to not occupy the redoubt because the French had their strong Swiss units to recapture the position and I had no reserves to support Waldeck's battalions. The Gardes Voets are whipped out. You may notice that Ilten's Hanoverian foot is too far away to help Waldeck's forces. (photo: C. Hanselmann, 2025)

Contrary to expectations, however, Cronström refused any advance. This left the Prince of Waldeck alone with his units, facing the defenders of Fontenoy and the troops under Montagne. The British cavalry took far too long to make way for the Hanoverians, who under Ilten would support the Dutch attack. Even the heavy artillery fire of the Hanoverians and Dutch was not enough to completely drive away the defenders of Fontenoy. An initial wave was repulsed. A further, weaker wave succeeded in driving a French battalion out of Fontenoy, but also routed the Dutch foot guards. Vauguyon had thus held Fontenoy to a certain extent.

Another perspective on the fighting at Fontenoy. One of Waldeck's units had to rally near Bourgeon after suffering under heavy French fire. The British infantry was advancing too slowly even with Ligonier as a Dashing general in command - that was my greatest problem as I hoped to overrun the proud French guards and led them flee into the ranks of the line infantry behind them. (photo: C. Hanselmann, 2025)

At the same time, Ingolsby managed to deliver a devastating defeat to Grassin's arquebusiers. But, faced with the overwhelming odds that awaited him, he remained at the edge of the Bois de Barry forest. The advance of my British infantry under Ligonier was halted by the skillful replacement of the front line of the Gardes Francaises with rested battalions. Meanwhile, a final assault on Fontenoy was launched from two sides by the remaining battalions under the Prince of Waldeck-Pyrmont and Ilten's Hanoverians. Even though I had previously succeeded in eliminating two French batteries around Fontenoy, the French skillfully retaliated against my attempt, which completely collapsed as a result.

 

After my Dutch were repulsed I tried to weaken the defenders of Fontenoy. But the French could replace some losses. At least two batteries were left in their positions... (photo: C. Hanselmann, 2025)

Now I had most of my infantry in position to fire. Ingolsby was slowly advancing trough the Bois de Barry. (photo: C. Hanselmann, 2025)

The Arquebusiers were overrun by the highlanders using bayonets and swords! (photo: C. Hanselmann, 2025)

Wundersame Zeichen - Miracolous signs 1625 p.1

Dieses Jahr war wie kein anderes davon geprägt, dass wir auf unserer Veranstaltung auch Pferde benötigten. Denn der Fokus lag neben den Zeichen, die man am Himmel zu erkennen glaubte, auf ein Reiterregiment, das auf dem Land rund um Schwäbisch Hall ab Ostern 1625 einquartiert war [1]. Kurz vor der Veranstaltung erfuhr ich, dass wir diesmal sogar 5 Pferde haben sollten, was uns als Organisatoren natürlich sehr gefreut hat. Somit waren wir auch erleichtert, als am Aufbautag tatsächlich gleich 3 Pferde auf der Koppel standen. Diese sollten für den Kürassier, den Trompeter und den Quartiermeister genutzt werden. Später kamen noch zwei Pferde von denen eines von Landhauptmann Rauchhaupt geritten wurde [2].

Im Wirtshaus am ersten Abend nach unserer Ankunft. - In our tavern at the first evening after our arrival. (photo: C. Hanselmann)

This year, like no other, was characterized by the fact that we also needed horses for our event. In addition to the signs one thought one could see in the sky, the focus was on a cavalry regiment that had been quartered in the countryside around Schwäbisch Hall since Easter 1625 [1]. Shortly before the event, I learned that we would have five horses this time, which naturally made us, as organizers, very happy. So we were relieved when, on the day of setup, there were actually three horses in the paddock. These were to be used by the cuirassier, the trumpeter, and the quartermaster. Two more horses arrived later, one of which was ridden by Landhauptmann Rauchhaupt [2].

Bei der Andacht am Freitag. - At the service at Friday. (photo: M. Leyendecker)

Ich selbst musste rasch feststellen, dass ich statt 2 Knechten und 3 Mägden diesmal mit einem Knecht und zwei Mägden vorlieb nehmen musste. Deswegen suchte ich gleich von Anfang an für künftige Jahre Hausgesinde, denn vor allem am Morgen braucht man genug Leute, die rasch für Haushalt und Wirtshausgäste das Frühstück auf den Tisch bringen, das Feuer machen usw. [3]. Dank erstaunlich gutem Wetter konnte schon am Karfreitag die Andacht unter freiem Himmel stattfinden.

I quickly realized that instead of two farmhands and three maids, I would have to make do with one farmhand and two maids this time. Therefore, right from the start, I began looking for domestic servants for future years, because, especially in the morning, you need enough people to quickly bring breakfast to the table for the household and the inn guests, light the fire, etc. [3]. Thanks to surprisingly good weather, the service could already take place outdoors on Good Friday.

Gegen Mittag wurde in meiner Stube die neue Schützenscheibe vorgestellt, welche an diesem Karsamstag "beschossen" werden sollte.

At noon, the new shooting target, which was to be "shot at" on Holy Saturday, was presented in my room.

Der stolze Künstler präsentiert in meiner Schankstube die Schützenscheibe. - The proud artist presents the target in my taproom. (photo: S. Winter)

Von ferne habe ich davon gehört, dass sich die Kunde von wundersamen Zeichen verbreitete. Denn ich hatte wichtigeres zu tun indem ich vor dem Hof eines anderen Landmannes den Landhauptmann erwartete. Er traf ein und ich konnte ihm mitteilen, dass ich unlängst einem Trupp des Reiterregiments Wittenhorst begegnet war. Kurz darauf trafen die erwarteten Reiter ein. Der Hausvater des Hofes [4] ließ die Reiter absitzen und gab ihnen zu trinken. Danach ritten sie geführt von mir und dem Landhauptmann zu unserem Hof weiter. 

From afar, I heard that news of miraculous signs was spreading. I had more important things to do, waiting for the captain at another farmer's farm. He arrived, and I was able to tell him that I had recently encountered a troop of the Wittenhorst Cavalry Regiment. Shortly thereafter, the expected riders arrived. The head of the farm [4] had the riders dismount and gave them something to drink. Afterwards, they rode on to our farm, led by me and the captain.

Ich treffe erst auf den Landhauptmann und dann treffen - hier links im Bild - die drei Reiter des Regiments Wittenhorst ein. Der Kürisser trägt noch nicht seine Rüstung. - I'm meeting first the Landhauptmann (captain) and afterwards - at the left in the picture - the three riders of the Wittenhorst regiment are arriving. The cuirassier has not his armour. (photo: M. Leyendecker)

 

Viel erlebt im März - A lot in March

Dieses Jahr habe ich viel für das nächste Jahr recherchiert. Das ist eher ungewöhnlich, liegt aber nicht zuletzt daran, weil ich das Buch von Wilhelm German [1] relativ günstig erwerben konnte. In diesem Versuch einer Haller Chronik gibt es einfach Hinweise auf Ereignisse, die man anderswo nicht findet. In derselben Zeit waren auch unsere Mitstreiter nicht untätig. Ein Darsteller bereitet die Schützenscheibe für 1625 [2] zu.

This year I've done a lot of research for next year. This is rather unusual, but it's not least because I was able to acquire Wilhelm German's book [1] relatively inexpensively. This attempt at a Hall chronicle simply contains references to events that cannot be found elsewhere. During this same period, our fellow campaigners were also not idle. A performer prepares the shooting target for 1625 [2].

Einer unserer Darsteller [3] hat die Ausstattung als Kürisser begonnen fertigzustellen. Das passt natürlich zu den 1625 einquartierten Kürissern. - One of our participants had started to finish his equipment for a cuirassier. Naturaly that's for our 1625 event. (photo: Daniel Klotz, 2025)

Wir waren auch in Köln, wo ich mich davon überzeugen ließ, dass es in der Stadt ein paar aus unserem Blickwinkel interessante Ecken gibt - sogar ein paar Stadthäuser aus dem 17. Jahrhundert. Wir haben in diesem Monat noch ein wenig Honours of War gespielt und sogar zwei verschiedene Schlachten. Von einer der beiden kann ich hier Bilder zeigen.

We also went to Cologne, where I was convinced that the city has a few interesting spots from our perspective—even a few 17th-century townhouses. We played a bit of Honours of War this month and even played two different battles. I can show pictures of one of them here.

Hier die preußische Wagenkolonne in dem Gefecht bei Domstadtl 1758. - Here the Prussian column of waggons at the encounter at Domstadtl in 1758. (photo: L. Fischer)

Zieten kommt heran um die Kolonne vor dem Angriff der Österreicher unter Laudon zu retten. - Zieten is coming to rescue the column while Laudon's Austrians are attacking. (photo: L. Fischer)

Ich spielte einen Teil der Österreicher unter Siskowitz und wir hatten kaum eine Chance gegen die preußische Infanterie. Daher konzentrierten wir uns darauf so schnell wie möglich Wagen zu erobern und die weniger gute Eskorte des Zuges zu schlagen. - I played a section of the Austrians under Siskowitz and we had little chance against the Prussian infantry. Therefor we were much focussed on taking the waggons and to rout the weaker parts of the escort. (photo: L. Fischer)