Mainz Calceus Reconstruction

[Martin Moser]

Before the upper can get on the last, the insole has to be prepared. I cut it out roughly and a bit oversized and fix it to the last with 3 nails (that method exist since the middle ages at least, I don't know about Roman times, though. Then the insole os cut to size following the outline of the last.



Now the upper is pulled over the last and fixed with a nail at the front and back and a few more along the sides. Check after every nail if the upper is sitting correctly on the last!



Close the gaps between the nails, pulling the leather into place and fixing it with a nail.



This way of fixing the upper may never have been practised back then. In all the articles I've read, researchers graciously avoid all details of how this way actually done, using small nails works very well at least ...
Also, many of the originals have a second strip of leather (sometimes doubled) as a lasting margin reinforcement. I didn't add this here as the leather I am using is quite strong in itself.