Improved Means or Devices to Produce a Spectacular Display for Stage Performances.
Year: 1897

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Means or Devices to Produce a Spectacular Display for
Stage Performances.
at
I, SAMUEL GROGAN of Sidlaw Place Fairmuir Dundee Scotland Artiste
present on Tour" do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates. to improved means or devices to produce a spectacular
display for stage performances, and consists in the arrangement or combination
of lance drill" or manual exercises with a Lance and pennant, or pole in
conjunction with step dances in imitation of the various movements of a squad
or troop of light cavalry notably "Lancers," also the construction and arrange-
ment of the dress or uniform, consisting of a Tunic and military skirt that they
can be quickly removed without interfering with the accoutrements attached
thereto.
66
"
"
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To carry out this invention I employ males or females preferably the latter,
and provide them with a uniform representing a Uhlan, or Lancer of the British,
German, French, Indian or other cavalry made and fitting in the manner herein-
after described and provide each with a lance and pennant or pole, the top
surmounted by a representation of a spear head and the bottom with a suitable
cap, the pole being of " Bamboo" cane, the performers; preferably three in
number march on the stage in file, and change to position in line and bring their
lances to the "salute," then at the signal of the conductor proceed to execute eight
bars of the manual exercise or display with the lance, the next sixteen bars are
danced each keeping in time to a step dance," the next eight bars is occupied
by more manual exercise or display with the lance, then a step dance," and
repeat as often as required, said step dances being executed in heavy shoes, to
finish each performer brings the lance to the "charge" for eight bars, then come
to attention and march off. In making the uniform the skirt for females comes
to or below the knees, and is provided on each side with one or two rows of military
braid to match the facings and represent trouser stripes, and is secured by a waist
band, the Tunic representing that adopted in the various countries by Lancers
is fastened up the back from the bottom to the neck band by suitable hooks and
eyes or other fastenings that do not leave a gape in the fastening instead of
at the front or side as is now the case. The facings may be reversible, of a
different colour on either side, the waist belt made of military belt web and sewn
at both edges to the Tunic, the cross belt and cords are also secured at the opening
in the centre of the back of the Tunic, the gauntlets are also secured in the ends
of the sleeves, and turned up, the gloves fitting on separately, the ordinary head
gear completing the uniform. When the Tunic is unfastened, all the accoutre-
ments being secured thereto allows of it being removed without disturbing or
putting them out of the right positions.

page_text: Improved Means or Devices to Produce a Spectacular Display for
Stage Performances.
66
'Artist"
at
I, SAMUEL GROGAN, of Sidlaw Place Fairmuir Dundee Scotland
present on Tour, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:-
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This invention relates to improved means or devices to produce a spectacular 5
display for stage performances, and consists in the arrangement or combination of
'lance drill" or manual exercises with a Lance and pennant, or pole in conjunc-
tion with step dances in imitation of the various movements or evolutions of a
squad or troop of light Cavalry- notably "Lancers," also the construction and
arrangement of the dress or uniform consisting of a Tunic and military skirt 1
that they can be quickly removed without interfering with the accoutrements
attached thereto.
That this invention may be well understood a sheet of drawings is annexed
showing the Tunic and skirt employed to carry out the display by females.
Figure 1 is a side view of the Tunic and the various attachments connected
therewith, and
Figure 2 a view of the skirt used in connection therewith.
وو
In carrying out this invention I may employ males or females preferably the
latter, and provide them with a Uniform representing a Uhlan or Lancer of the
British, German, French, Indian or other Cavalry made and fitting in the manner
hereinafter described and provide each with a lance and pennant, the latter of
the colours used by the various regiments, the top of the pole or lance is sur-
mounted by a representation of a spear head and the bottom with a suitable cap,
the pole being of "Bamboo Cane." The performers preferably three in number
march on to the stage "in file," and change to "position in line
and bring
their lances to the "salute," then at the signal of the conductor proceed to execute
eight bars of the manual exercise or display with the lance, the next sixteen bars
are danced each keeping in time to a step dance," the next eight bars" is
occupied by more manual exercise or display with the lance, then a step dance,"
and repeat as often as required, said step dances being executed in heavy shoes,
to finish each performer brings the lance to the "charge " for eight bars, then
come to "attention" and march off.
In making the uniform the skirt A for females comes to or below the knees and
is provided on each side with one or two rows of military braid a to match the
facings of the Tunic and represent trouser stripes, the skirt A is secured by the
waist band by any ordinary fastenings. The Tunic B Figure 1 represents that
adopted in the various countries by Lancers and is fastened up the back b, bl,
from the bottom to the neck band or collar by suitable hooks and eyes or other
fastenings that will not leave a gape when secured. I find this method in fastening
a great advantage over those at the front or side as is now in use. The facings C
may be reversible, of a different colour on either side, the waist belt D is made
of military braid or "belt web" and sewn as shown at both edges to the Tunic B,
the cross belt E and cords F are also secured at the opening f, f, in the centre
of the back of the Tunic, the gauntlets G are also secured "see dotted lines'
Figure 1 in the ends of the sleeves and turned up'; the gloves (not shown) fitting
on separately, the ordinary head gear, either forage cap, or dress helmet completes
the uniform.
When the Tunic B is unfastened, all the accoutrements (being secured thereto)

page_text: allow of it being taken off without disturbing or putting them out of their right
positions.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said In-
vention and in what manner the same.is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is:
The arrangement in a military dress or uniform of a Tunic opening and fasten-
ing at the back and carrying a waist belt, Cross belt and pouch, cords, reversible
facings, all secured thereto, a braided skirt, lance and pennant in combination
with dances and exercises forming the spectacular display for stage performances,
substantially as described.
W. BESTWICK MAXFIELD,
19 Bowling Green Street, Leicester, Registered Patent Agent.
Applicants Agent.