10-14-2008, 07:59 PM
Hi folks,
As a "vexilatio peregrinvs" of COH I BAT, one of our early impressions is that of an early Batavian Soldier, armed with native equipment. I posted some pics of the complete impression in the "show your impression" thread.
As such, we attempted to re-create one of the swords and scabbards found at Kessel-Lith, as noted in these pics from Peronis' Article "The Dress and Appearance of the Batavian."
We started with the "Celtic Sword" by DPKa, and then did all of the conversion ourselves. Of the original DPKa product, only three pieces remain: the wooden pommel and guard, and the blade itself. The entire scabbard and the hilt (to include a cap as suggested in the images) were made by myself and Alex Matras.
The hilt is composed of alternating bronze/maple discs, approx 3mm thick, and then "notched" as in the original finds (the bronze discs were notched; we infer that this would have extended to the organic layers as well). The result provides a grip/feel similar to that provided by the "checkering" on a modern gunstock. Very secure in the bearer's hand.
The scabbard has a wooden body, covered with thin leather (which we dyed); the seam was sewn up the front side of the leather and is hidden by the bronze front plate.
The bronze front plate is "phosphor bronze," .032" or 0.81mm thick, cut from a sheet to match the shape of the scabbard body, and then attached to the front via the flared edges at the bottom bent to form a partial "chape" (this is suggested in a couple of the images) and then further secured by means of four leather bands. The method to secure the bronze front plate was suggested by the fact that no holes could be found in the plates; likewise no extant "tabs" that might have been bent around the backside and secured with nails or rivets.
So, we hope you like it, and are more than willing to assist anyone else in a similar project.
Regards,
Edge
As a "vexilatio peregrinvs" of COH I BAT, one of our early impressions is that of an early Batavian Soldier, armed with native equipment. I posted some pics of the complete impression in the "show your impression" thread.
As such, we attempted to re-create one of the swords and scabbards found at Kessel-Lith, as noted in these pics from Peronis' Article "The Dress and Appearance of the Batavian."
We started with the "Celtic Sword" by DPKa, and then did all of the conversion ourselves. Of the original DPKa product, only three pieces remain: the wooden pommel and guard, and the blade itself. The entire scabbard and the hilt (to include a cap as suggested in the images) were made by myself and Alex Matras.
The hilt is composed of alternating bronze/maple discs, approx 3mm thick, and then "notched" as in the original finds (the bronze discs were notched; we infer that this would have extended to the organic layers as well). The result provides a grip/feel similar to that provided by the "checkering" on a modern gunstock. Very secure in the bearer's hand.
The scabbard has a wooden body, covered with thin leather (which we dyed); the seam was sewn up the front side of the leather and is hidden by the bronze front plate.
The bronze front plate is "phosphor bronze," .032" or 0.81mm thick, cut from a sheet to match the shape of the scabbard body, and then attached to the front via the flared edges at the bottom bent to form a partial "chape" (this is suggested in a couple of the images) and then further secured by means of four leather bands. The method to secure the bronze front plate was suggested by the fact that no holes could be found in the plates; likewise no extant "tabs" that might have been bent around the backside and secured with nails or rivets.
So, we hope you like it, and are more than willing to assist anyone else in a similar project.
Regards,
Edge
Gaius Aurelius Calvus
(Edge Gibbons)
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LEG XI CPF
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(Edge Gibbons)
Moderator
Rules for Posting
LEG XI CPF
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.11thlegion.com">http://www.11thlegion.com
"Mens est clavis victoriae."
