Glued Linen Armour- a simple test

[Giannis K. Hoplite]

The iron cuirass may have been found in a relatively poor state,however,no matter how iron rusts,gold doesn't dissapear.The golden decoration in this cuirass is almost intact and nowhere does it show hints of modern restoration. The designs continue evenly all around in pure gold. Only small bits are a bit destroyed and the larger of these areas is the one on the left shoulder. Was that because of the shield? I'm not suggesting that it must be because of that,but still it's plausible to my eyes.
As for the armour being only ceremonial,i can say that this shield when seen up close is so stunning that one couldn't believe this piece would be carried in battle,with all the amount of ivory sculpture on it.
However,the cuirass itself seems completely usuable. It's not the first piece that has gold on it,whole helmets and greaves have been foun guilded,and a great ammount of swords with gold decoration. In addition,this armour has been reconstructed http://manningimperial.com/item.php?ite ... =2&c_id=35
The man who owns it says he can wear it all day without problem,and note that all ancient pieces are always lighter than modern reproductions.
http://ancienthoplitikon.com/thumbnaill ... b4ba21.jpg
Khaire
Giannis