" Pikemen Position 31. He shall lift the Pike over his heade with the left hand and take the same somewhat more backward with the right hand. "

Recently Hand Colored Illustration. In the early 17th century, this work was a resource for the organization and training for troops. To guide the drillmasters and also in an effort to standardize drill the illustrations were based on analysis of the movements necessary for loading and firing calivers and muskets and the handling of the long pike. The illustrations showed the proper execution of the commands.