How To.. wear the Pugio and Gladius (belts, fasteners)

[Tarbicus]

Where the devil did anyone ever get the idea that a waistbelt goes thro' a baldric strap, with the sword fixed rigid low down on the hip like a Texas gunslinger. I think it stems from the idea that no one is truely aware why a scabbard has four rings on it, and that was the easy way to figure it out without even thinking.

Brian, I recently got one of these and, although speculative, it really does the job. The hooks utilise all four rings.
http://armillum.com/tienda/index.php?ma ... cts_id=474

I make no claims to its accuracy, but it is an intriguing thought. :wink: The adjustable length means it can be changed for use with and without armour.

As for baldrics, we do see them on infantry tombstones, seemingly when only a single belt is worn. The dual belt system seems to show the scabbard attached directly to the un-aproned belt with an exception here ( http://www.romanarmy.com/cms/component/ ... Itemid,94/ ). I'm talking about a 1st-C AD context.
http://www.romanarmy.com/cms/component/ ... Itemid,94/
http://www.romanarmy.com/cms/component/ ... Itemid,94/

That said, I also also can't stand seeing belts and scabbards slung low like John Wayne would wear them. Belts cross the belly button, sword pommel nearly level with the armpit.