12-01-2009, 06:13 PM
Salwe,
I'm thinking of putting together a Roman Auxiliary Cavalry impression (let's call it 100 AD). I'm looking at chain mail. I'm confused.
More than one reenacting-related website has told me that I want round wire with round rivets and a washer in a 4-1 pattern. None of them offered me any documentation, but it does seem a popular view.
On the other hand, David Sim in his article "Roman Chain-Mail: Experiments to Reproduce the Techniques of Manufacture" states
His article is quite well researched and he includes examples of period rings. His photo of Thorsberg rings seems to show flat iron wire that has rounded edges from touching up on a mandrel.
Before I spend money, I'd like some guidance. It looks to me as if the popular view is incorrect, but experience tells me that there's often more to research than one article, however good.
I'm thinking of putting together a Roman Auxiliary Cavalry impression (let's call it 100 AD). I'm looking at chain mail. I'm confused.
More than one reenacting-related website has told me that I want round wire with round rivets and a washer in a 4-1 pattern. None of them offered me any documentation, but it does seem a popular view.
On the other hand, David Sim in his article "Roman Chain-Mail: Experiments to Reproduce the Techniques of Manufacture" states
Quote:To gain accurate dimensions for the reproduction of chain-mail, ancient rings were measured to obtain the size and shape of the wire and the diameter, and the method of assembly of the rings was examined. Ferrous chain-mail rings from Caerleon,l3l Wales,and also some from Thorsberg Germany, were examined.The rings were made from wire which was square or rectangular in section, rather than circular.
His article is quite well researched and he includes examples of period rings. His photo of Thorsberg rings seems to show flat iron wire that has rounded edges from touching up on a mandrel.
Before I spend money, I'd like some guidance. It looks to me as if the popular view is incorrect, but experience tells me that there's often more to research than one article, however good.
Qui plus fait, miex vault.
