Questions about the forging of a pugio and a balteus

[Matthew Amt]

As I recall, Roman brass (orichalcum) varied greatly in zinc content, from 4 or 5 percent up to about 25 percent. But anywhere in the 10 to 20 percent range could be called "normal" for belt fittings, probably. Some had some lead as well, and some also had some tin (possibly due to recycling). Most folks just use modern yellow brass (30 percent zinc), but if you can get "low brass", "red brass", or even "commercial bronze" (90/10 copper/ZINC), those are even better.

If you can make cast bronze items, I know some Bronze Age folks who would love to talk to you!

Vale,

Matthew