04-19-2011, 07:31 PM
Ave!
If that's the belt you bought, I'd recommend returning it. The plates may resemble a known artifact (I don't know for sure), but they are too thick and heavy. The apron studs are also hugely thick, and the straps are too long, making the apron alone weigh about 5 pounds more than it should. You can improve the whole thing by sliding the apron straps off and tossing them in the recycling pot.
Deepeeka does make 2 belts which *I* think are decent, AH6760 "Roman Belt" and AH6725 "Roman disc legionnary belt, 1cent AD". The first one does not have an apron. Both are more accurate and lighter than the belt you showed. A properly made belt does not add significantly to the weight of your kit, and won't get in your way when you walk.
As has been stated, the apron is there for bling and noise! I don't think it's quite equivalent to "wearing your wealth"--there were certainly one or two occasions when soldiers used their belts to raise money, but that's sort of like selling your car for cash. Soldiers just liked to spend money on spiffy belts!
I also think the idea of using the belt to hold the shoulder baldric in place is a modernism. It can work, but if your baldric is short enough it isn't really necessary, and there doesn't seem to be any historical basis for the practice.
Valete,
Matthew
If that's the belt you bought, I'd recommend returning it. The plates may resemble a known artifact (I don't know for sure), but they are too thick and heavy. The apron studs are also hugely thick, and the straps are too long, making the apron alone weigh about 5 pounds more than it should. You can improve the whole thing by sliding the apron straps off and tossing them in the recycling pot.
Deepeeka does make 2 belts which *I* think are decent, AH6760 "Roman Belt" and AH6725 "Roman disc legionnary belt, 1cent AD". The first one does not have an apron. Both are more accurate and lighter than the belt you showed. A properly made belt does not add significantly to the weight of your kit, and won't get in your way when you walk.
As has been stated, the apron is there for bling and noise! I don't think it's quite equivalent to "wearing your wealth"--there were certainly one or two occasions when soldiers used their belts to raise money, but that's sort of like selling your car for cash. Soldiers just liked to spend money on spiffy belts!
I also think the idea of using the belt to hold the shoulder baldric in place is a modernism. It can work, but if your baldric is short enough it isn't really necessary, and there doesn't seem to be any historical basis for the practice.
Valete,
Matthew
Matthew Amt (Quintus)
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
Legio XX, USA
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.larp.com/legioxx/">http://www.larp.com/legioxx/
