I have two questions.
1) I have read alot of posts recently on the topic, but would like to hear what any of you have to say about the new Deepeeka Lorica VS the Albion Lorica or any other supplier around roughly $500. I would like to order it soon so any help would be greatly appreciated.
2) I am also looking for anyone to help me in how to buy or make a nice brass rim on a scutum. I have recently made good quality a viking round shield, norman kite shield, templar, greek hoplon, and multiple heaters. I am very comfortable with the wood work, curving it, covering it, painting it, hand riveting a boss, etc. I am not so confident about doing a rim. Could anyone please suggest someone to purchase a rim from or give a good idea how to make one that will look good.
Frater,
Can't comment on the segs comparison, but as for Brass Rims for your scutum I would refer you to the Legio XX website;
and to Jared Fleury's site here:
http://florentius.com/scutumedging2.htm
I used the method from Jared's website and mine came out pretty well, I think, as seen below.
Further, if you send me a PM, I will send you yet a third method that I recently received from Matt Lukes.
Salve,
Calvus
Hmmmm. I may be able to swing that. Don't have as much confidence in the metal work yet. Do you know where to get the brass sheet and the gauge to use?
Believe me -- this is not that hard, especially if you go with square corners on your scutum (as I did -- see pics) which are just as "accurate" as rounded corners. The scutum above was my first attempt at metal work.
As far as the actual brass goes:
.016" or .020" brass. I used .016" in mine above.
You can get it from here:
http://www.mcmaster.com/
I order it in a 24" x 48" sheet for about $78 plus shipping -- this is enough for 2 complete scuta. McMaster-Carr has, literally, everything, to include being able to sell you the metal forms you need to shape the edges. They are a great company and ship the same day.
If you need more info, I'm happy to help.
Calvus
Chris do you belong to a legion club?
Doug Mather, Licinius is the Decanus of our TX chapter
[email protected]
No I don't. I have simply been fascinated with Military History for the better part of my life. My family is Italian heritage and as they do more and more family history, we have traced some of our ancestors back to the Romans, so naturally, that culture peaks my interest the most. I am not superstitious either, but my great uncle has traced it as far back as Cassius, and I was born on the Ides of March. Another funny tidbit that adds to my interest in them. I have read a lot about the pieces I am seeking to purchase, but it seems overwhelming because lots of people tend to have altering views in what is absolutely correct. I just want to insure that I don't make or buy anything clearly "Wrong". I plan on completing my Roman "Kit" within the next six months. So far I have pruchased an Albion Allectus Mainz, a Chen Pilum that I plan on Blackening and making more realistic, a Deepeka new version Itallic D and am currently making the wooden block and crest, am also currently making my own Tunica and Sagum, I am trying to find a good lorica, and if I can just get up the courage to attempt the brass edge, I will make my own scutum. Then I plan on getting pieces from the Quiet press for my Belt, and I need to find a decent pugio as my wife wants to buy one for me for Christmas.
Bottom line, I haven't thought about it that much yet and am currently fixated on finding the "right" segmentata the first time.
Chris, write me direct if you'd like...
Sean Richards
[email protected]
or call
619.563.5200
Well, so far.........I have cracked two shields setting them up for the bend (which I have never had happen with any shield before) and finally got the bend on the third attempt. I covered it and painted it red. Looked pretty good to this point. I apparently got over zealous and rounded my corners. BAD MISTAKE. I have spent hour on the first side of the brass rim. Cut it out, heated it, bent it on the straight edge and still looking pretty good. Started the corners and Jupiter cursed me for mocking the Romans. I cannot for the life of me get out all the folds. Heat and hammer and then again for a few hours. I just don't seem to have the metal working gene. So, beat up and bruised I finally got one side on the shield, but it looks like its been through a battle already. Not horrible, but definately not to my high standards. Oh well, I guess I will end up with a great paint job and a mediocre rim.
Oh and caught your last post Hibernicus. I may contact you at some point in the future for possible reenacting, but a job, 5 kids, martial arts three times a week, backpacking trips, working with youth in my church, etc. keeps me constantly drained and lacking for time. I would find it interesting to attend something near Houston though. Thanks again.
We have programs for Members that make it easier to acquire and make Kit
For example the "made in India" Segmentatas do not meet our standards.
.. die stamped fittings are right out.
.. the segs are often too perfect.
Another: we do not use plywood for shields, but make our scutums the way they were made...strips of wood, hide glue etc.
Let me know!
Quote:.. die stamped fittings are right out.
My original segmentata lobate hinge appears to have been die-cut- and in a little discussion with Mike Bishop, he was impressed with the observation. When I suggested that it seemed hard to really believe it despite the evidence, he reminded me to never underestimate the Romans. They had the screw press, and if they could die-cut hamata rings which are iron, rather thinner sheet copper alloy shouldn't be a problem. Certainly more often lobate hinges are cut with shears and chisels- the toolmarks on them are unmistakable, however it's bad practice to discount methods out-of-hand unless it's clearly impossible- laser cutting would be out :lol:
DIE CUT.. If someone found a lobate hinge die LEGIO IX HISPANA would quickly adopt that method of reproduction.
In the meantime, Legio IX Hispana, does not allow modern diecut machine stamped fittings. We have a program in-house to assist new members in replacing Segmentatas made with them
Why allow machine cut fittings when we do not need to?
The more we (Leg IX Hspa) can do that's hand made the better.
As we learn new skills that allow us to replicate more historically then we will... always have.
We will subsequently amend our Rules and begin a program to phase out gear that no longer meets the new standard. No one in Legio IX gets left behind or has to quit because he can't upgrade his Kit. We all work hard to insure that it does not happen. It's one of the benefits of belonging to a larger group.
A recent example of what we do because we can: historic scutums... The So Cal chapter of Leg IX will have 25+ of these scutums by June 2007 and the rest of Legio IX is scheduled to have them by Jan 2008.. that's 50, maybe 60, scutums.. no more plywood shields for us... a HUGE program! .. and we are going to make it happen.
Another from the recent past: we tossed about 15 segs into the dust bin.. salvaged what was worth saving, and then chucked them. They were wrong ... we would have spent as much time fixing and upgrading as we'd've spent making new ones... not worth it..
Sometimes, good enough no longer is. For us, this happens more and more frequently.
Thanks for the help. Thought I would post the finished product. I see some things to change on another go around, but I may just buy a premade one later. Thanks for the instructions on the Aspis at your site too Mathew Amt. I thought people here could appreciate the work that went into it as well.