Here is a little weekend project depicting the leader of the order of the Teutonic Knights, an organization founded during the crusades.
The Teutonic Knights settled in modern day Poland to "convert" the last pagan tribes in Europe in modern day Lithuania and soon became extremely powerful and influential (rivaling the Templars). Young knights from all over Europe joined the Teutonic Knights on their forays east to gain battle experience and these "eastern crusades" often ended in slaughter and plundering.
The order met it's demise in 1410 in the famed battle of Tanneberg, when a combined force of eastern tribes under the banner of the king of Poland wiped out 80% of the heavy cavalry of the Teutonic Knights (the order was caught off guard due to an early morning attack).
Today the order is a religious, charitable institution.
The depicted Hochmeister features the prominent cross of the order and the red insignia with a white angel associated with the "Engelsburg". The fancy horns
on the banded sugarloaf great helmet were there to make an impression and identify the Hochmeister.
I hope you enjoy the figure....
