07-30-2013, 03:51 AM
During the first century AD, two main types of belt plates were used that can be subdivided as below:
Type A - These plates were cast, flat, narrow and sometimes decorated with niëllo. They were populair during the first half of the first century AD when crosswise belts were usually worn. They can be subdivided:
- tinned plates/parts without decoration
- tinned plates/parts with niëllo
- silvered plates/parts without decoration
Type B - Those plates were broad, made from thin sheet metal and had chased decorations like concentric circles. They can be subdivided:
- tinned plates/parts
- plates/parts cast from almost pure silver. They were made from solid silver
So, in fact, there are five sub types, each with a different financial value. Back then, for example, tinned plates without decoration were less precious than cast plates from solid silver. You wouldn`t expect to see a centurion with undecorated tinned belt plates. I assume there must be a relation between the value and therefore type of belt and the soldiers rank. The higher the rank, the more precious the plates will be.
I would like to impersonate an optio around 40 - 60 AD with a Mainz type gladius. An optio is an officer so you can expect him to have precious belt parts. The point is that it is more difficult to produce those precious belt parts, but making cheap parts (because it`s easier to produce) is no option. What type of belt plates is appropriate for an optio?? Could he wear a belt like the one found in Velsen for example, or is that too cheap? Could he wear solid silver plates (type B) or is that too expensive for an officer like an optio?
Type A - These plates were cast, flat, narrow and sometimes decorated with niëllo. They were populair during the first half of the first century AD when crosswise belts were usually worn. They can be subdivided:
- tinned plates/parts without decoration
- tinned plates/parts with niëllo
- silvered plates/parts without decoration
Type B - Those plates were broad, made from thin sheet metal and had chased decorations like concentric circles. They can be subdivided:
- tinned plates/parts
- plates/parts cast from almost pure silver. They were made from solid silver
So, in fact, there are five sub types, each with a different financial value. Back then, for example, tinned plates without decoration were less precious than cast plates from solid silver. You wouldn`t expect to see a centurion with undecorated tinned belt plates. I assume there must be a relation between the value and therefore type of belt and the soldiers rank. The higher the rank, the more precious the plates will be.
I would like to impersonate an optio around 40 - 60 AD with a Mainz type gladius. An optio is an officer so you can expect him to have precious belt parts. The point is that it is more difficult to produce those precious belt parts, but making cheap parts (because it`s easier to produce) is no option. What type of belt plates is appropriate for an optio?? Could he wear a belt like the one found in Velsen for example, or is that too cheap? Could he wear solid silver plates (type B) or is that too expensive for an officer like an optio?
(aka Niels)
