09-09-2015, 02:41 PM
"Also, you may never really get rid of some deep pitting and 'crackle' lines without really re-surfacing the metal. But, considering this stuff was all made by hand and without modern machinery and tolerances/quality control, I wouldn't worry about it being "perfect" smooth, etc. "
I always wondered about that. Given the hard use that most Roman army equipment undoubtably recieved, particualry while on active campaiagn combined with the materials, nature of manufacture, etc. I imagine most legionaries kit was pretty banged up. Scratched, scuffed, pitted and dinged Lorica (and helmets for that matter) and scarred sheilds must have been common place.
I suspect there was no gaurentee that even a new recruit was gettinging brand new gear. I can hear the quartermaster...
"Next! Whats this then? A proby? Hmmmm.... well you seem to be the same size as old Quintus. Shame 'bout him. He was a good man, though terrible at dice. Well, his lorica is cleaned and all pactched up now, and he won't be needing it anymore. Now for a helmet....."
Adrian
I always wondered about that. Given the hard use that most Roman army equipment undoubtably recieved, particualry while on active campaiagn combined with the materials, nature of manufacture, etc. I imagine most legionaries kit was pretty banged up. Scratched, scuffed, pitted and dinged Lorica (and helmets for that matter) and scarred sheilds must have been common place.
I suspect there was no gaurentee that even a new recruit was gettinging brand new gear. I can hear the quartermaster...
"Next! Whats this then? A proby? Hmmmm.... well you seem to be the same size as old Quintus. Shame 'bout him. He was a good man, though terrible at dice. Well, his lorica is cleaned and all pactched up now, and he won't be needing it anymore. Now for a helmet....."
Adrian
