Scale Armor & Accuracy

[markusaurelius]

Which images are of the Carpow finds? I seem to come to a web block when ever I search for info on this location?

Ya there is a serious webblock on info on that find. The only images I have are the ones below. Couple low res color images, and the sketches from a paper on the finds. That paper also has a detailed diagram of the edge stitching.


[attachment=5372]1346.jpg[/attachment]


[attachment=5373]Carpowarmour.jpg[/attachment]


[attachment=5374]Examplewithwool.jpg[/attachment]

Here is a close up diagram of the stitch showing how it was interwoven. You simply cut a slit into the top leather throng to feed through the piece coming from the bottom. I had to make a test piece and try it out before I could get my head around it.

[attachment=5375]Stitchdiagram.jpg[/attachment]

I am curious about that leather edge binding. I can't quite make out how it was done. Has anyone done a reconstruction that makes it clear?

As a matter of fact I do. I'm just nearing completion on my scale armor that I'm making with this type of edging. Here are a couple images(all be it not great ones) of the front, side and back to show how it looks. It is actually VERY strong, and makes the armor quite stiff on the edges, having a stabilizing effect on the scales in the middle of the armor. It is also still flexible to allow for the curve at the shoulders. I'll post images of the whole armor once it is done.

[attachment=5376]Stich-1.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=5377]Stich-2.JPG[/attachment]

[attachment=5378]Stich-3.JPG[/attachment]

Hopefully someone can cure my ignorance. If there was more over-lap, wouldn't that offer more protection?

There is overlap. Enough to cover the other scales attachment hole, but not enough to cover the side links. As you'll notice, most of the scales have the side links quite far down the side of the scale, so as to maximize the overlap. So there is still a doubling of the scales, which protects the attachment area. The end result is a lighter, cheaper/quicker to make armor, that is still as protective.