PA66: Battle of Rossbach - Prussia: Grenadier #I 40mm Scale Mould

A grenadiers hat is very different to a regular soldier, and this was for various reasons. Originally the flat caps, normally worn by Musketeers got in the way when throwing grenades, but even after that practice was abandoned the mitre caps remained because it added extra height to the soldier, who was already chosen for his physical height and fitness, making him appear like a giant to his foes. Generals knew the benefit of spreading fear amoung your enemies even before the fighting began, as it was far easier to kill fleeing enemies than disciplined defensive ones.

This black rubber mould can be reused many dozens of times and, on average, cast about five figures per ingot of metal used. 

The battle of Rossbach was fought on November 5th 1757 between the Prussian army of Frederick the Great and the combined armies of France and the German Empire under Soubize.

When the allied commanders noticed the Prussians moving back from their previous positions to behind a hill they mistakenly believed thy were retreating even before the battle begun and recklessly advanced to overtake and destroy them. The Prussians realising the allies error, prepared their cavalry and artillery just out of sight of the allies over the hill crest. As the Franco-German army surged up the hill, they were suddenly met by the Prussian cavalry at full gallop and the roar of artillery fire, which threw them into disarray. Despite valiant attempts by the French cavalry to halt the now advancing Prussian infantry and rank their own troops, the battle was lost and Prussia won the day.