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+--- Thread: Rust patina on Lorica Segmentata (/showthread.php?tid=25108)
Rust patina on Lorica Segmentata - LonginusXXI - 09-08-2015
I just looked on a website about Roman armor and it says that the armor would have been covered with rust patina.
[attachment=12763]threeViewBevel.jpg[/attachment]
Is this statement accurate?
Rust patina on Lorica Segmentata - Bryan - 09-08-2015
I'm guessing you got that from this website, http://www.legionten.org/Studies/LXFstudies/legionary.html. I don't think its accurate.
The Republican era Romans (who campaigned non-stop) shined their armor. During the Mithridates War in the 1st Cent BC, it was reported that part of the Roman prelude to battle was shining armor to a high polished buff; it was one way an enemy actually knew the Romans were serious about fighting a battle.
I don't know why anyone would purposely make their armor look like that picture, its hideous. Simply wiping the iron down nightly to remove moisture and ensuring its always coating with oil would be enough to keep it rust free. Besides, they'd still have to buff all the brass/bronze on the lorica, helmets, and swords, and oil all the leather.
Rust patina on Lorica Segmentata - Hocfutue - 09-08-2015
Can't speak to the period use of rust-finishes--Ill leave that to others.
However, I wouldn't call that a patina. That's straight-up active rust that'll continue to corrode the metal.
I've rescued some items (hatchets, axes, non-Roman armor, etc.) from rusty oblivion by wire brushing/steel wooing/sanding with plenty of oil and they developed a smooth, very dark brown or even black coloration.
Definitely NOT rust colored and powdery like those pics. That's not a patina--that's neglect.
RE: Rust patina on Lorica Segmentata - Scipio Severus - 02-04-2017
Who ever stated that a roman would've let his armor develop rest should be flogged.
RE: Rust patina on Lorica Segmentata - Dan Howard - 02-04-2017
Quote:I'm guessing you got that from this website, http://www.legionten.org/Studies/LXFstud...onary.html. I don't think its accurate.
They are too lazy to look after their kit so they are justifying it by pretending that it's "historical".
RE: Rust patina on Lorica Segmentata - Liburnius - 05-05-2017
I've happened upon that website before. I found the claim sketchy, but your comments here reinforce this. Thank you.