11-20-2007, 07:40 PM
For those who don't already know, two saddle leathers were found during the Carlisle Millenium excavations, which were probably the most complete saddles recovered so far. Both were old when deposited and had been repaired a number of times with new seams and patches. The impressions of internal frames were clearly visible on both covers and it appeared that the covers had been removable. Rather than being sewn under as with Connolley's reconstruction, both covers had fringed trapezial leather flaps sewn to their outside edges which would have hung down the horses' sides and probably protected the riders' legs from chafing. If the covers were removable, as they appear to have been, then brass stiffener plates attached to the wooden saddle horns with the owners' names inscribed on them could have identified individual saddle frames if stacked together without their covers. The brass plates could also have reduced wear on the leather covers by providing a smoother surface which would not present splinters when putting the saddle covers on.
That said, given the number of holes in most stiffener plates, I have my doubts about whether the plates would require that many nails to attach them to the saddle horns and it has been suggested that the number and spacing of the holes may indicate that the plates were stitched to the leather, presumably on the outside. I am not aware of whether or not the Carlisle saddle covers exhibited stitch holes in the horns which would correspond with this latter interpretation. I believe Sue Winterbottom did the conservation work on the covers so she is almost certainly the best person to ask for further details.
Crispvs
That said, given the number of holes in most stiffener plates, I have my doubts about whether the plates would require that many nails to attach them to the saddle horns and it has been suggested that the number and spacing of the holes may indicate that the plates were stitched to the leather, presumably on the outside. I am not aware of whether or not the Carlisle saddle covers exhibited stitch holes in the horns which would correspond with this latter interpretation. I believe Sue Winterbottom did the conservation work on the covers so she is almost certainly the best person to ask for further details.
Crispvs
Who is called \'\'Paul\'\' by no-one other than his wife, parents and brothers. :!: <img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_exclaim.gif" alt=":!:" title="Exclamation" />:!:
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.romanarmy.net">www.romanarmy.net
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.romanarmy.net">www.romanarmy.net
