RomanArmyTalk

Some progress. Now only things that remain are the bronze parts and some painting on the pteryges,which might take some time. And i'm thinking if i should add some colour to the back.

Khairete
Giannis

Quote:By the way,does anyone know of a way to waterproof the leather without darkenning its white colour

Clarified beeswax is white and was used by the ancient Greeks. They would mix it with white clay and Calcium carbonate to make a glude that was used to hold the heads on statues for example. That glue sets hard at anything buy elevated temperatures, so if you want to keep the flexibility don't add the clay and calcium.

Thanks Paul! Waxing is what i was thinking,but i have never waxed anything,so i don't know how it really performs. Nor even exactly how it is done. Very interesting info on the glue also!
Khaire
Giannis

Quote:Thanks! However,as i said Matt,i don't believe it is necessary to replace your linen one. But if you think so! After all,i'd love to see your take in it!!! 8) Your linothorax is probably the most recognisable lino in the whole re-enacting comunity!
Khairete
Giannis

Yeah, no need to replace your linen!

Giannis: awesome leather thorax! Looks impressive.

That depends on how authentic you want to be..........There's still no convincing evidence for the wearing of linen corselets by mainland Greek Hoplites, especially 'glued' linen....... D lol:

Indeed, there will be more incoming evidence, I believe, that Macedonian 6 and 5 C Tube-and-Yoke corselets were leather

Certainly coloured wax was used by AD 3rd century Romans at Dura to colour leather. Simple paint wouldalso water proof the leather.

Quote:Thanks! You can always make a greek chiton,buy greek sandals(or not) and make it to Marathon in August 2011.Perhaps a felt cap and a sling or a javelin and you're ready for the sides of the phalanx! Though i dare say with all those good quality and cheap greek products that are showing up,you might make it for the ranks in one year.
Khaire
Giannis

A good enough reason to revisit Athens for sure....not that i need much encouragement lol

I've not yet played around with it, but I have bought some pure white beeswax. (I forgot it was originally Calcium Oxide that was used.):

Author: Farnsworth, Marie; Simmons, Ivor
Title Article/Chapter: "A Unique cement from Athens"
Title of Source: Hesperia
AATA Number: 4-3719
Volume Number: 29
Date of Publication: 1960
Page Numbers: 118-122
Abstract: A so-called clay core from a 5th century B.C. bronze head found in the Agora in Athens was analyzed. It was found to be a mixture of calcium carbonate (over 65%) and highly purified beeswax. The original mixture was evidently calcium oxide and beeswax. This was duplicated by mixing calcium oxide and beeswax approximately 2:1; the mixture is plastic when soft and rock-like when cold. This cement may have been used to secure the eyes of the head and to strength en the attachment of the topknot and the attachment of the head to the body. In a sample of 1st-2nd century A.D. Roman cement lead oxide, which altered to lead carbonate, was used instead of calcium oxide with beeswax. It is pointed out that this beeswax mixture is unique, although examples of bitumen or resin mixed with clay and lime are known both from Greece and Mesopotamia as cements and fillings. -- AATA

Quote:Certainly coloured wax was used by AD 3rd century Romans at Dura to colour leather. Simple paint wouldalso water proof the leather.

i.e. encaustic or wax paint blocks? I have used this on my scutum, but neverthought to try it to colour leather....

I finished the painting on the pteryges. Now i may add something small in the back,perhaps two little black lions,one on each of the tongues of the back,but i'm not in my pc and i don't have my vase archive...does anybody have any such photos with lion-decorated cuirasses? They are usually painted on the shoulder guards like this one: http://www.flickr.com/photos/13850135@N04/2312030614/

Very soon,in a week or so,i might have the mettal parts,and then the spolas will be competed.
Khairete
Giannis

Very Nice! Where is the metal going on the Spola(s)? I know the front chest will be covered anywhere else?

Actually,the front won't be covered. Only the two side plates will be. It's probably the most frequent place covered with scales. The front is less vulnerble,due to the fact it is well covered by the shield. The right side is more vulnerable,and some times it's the only scaled place.
Khaire
Giannis

That makes sense... :oops:

The new armor looks great Giannis, when do you plan to start taking orders?

Excellent work Giannis!

When I was making my spolas together with a good friend of mine (a skilled leatherworker), we have made the epimides straight... which was a mistake. They do not obstruct me in movement, but i can see that you solution is much better. I will try it someday, if I decide to make a new version of my spolas. Thanks for inspiration