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Avete,
I'm curious, about when was the Lorica Plumata (the scale backed by mail armor) used? Is there any evidence for its use in the Late Roman period, say between 4th to 6th centuries? Or, even if there is no direct evidence (for the Late period), would it be a logical assumption that it may have been used at all?
M. Artorius C. f. L. n. Sub. Silvanus
aka David Coleman
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David,
Until yet I have only been able to trace 6 known specimens of lorica plumata (meaning here: the hybrid form of mail and minute scales) (see another post under my name).
Those that come from a datable context all seem to be from the first to the second Century AD.
Cheers,
Martijn
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I had a feeling it probably wasn't used much if any after the 2nd century. Ah well, looks like if I want to use it, I have to stick to 2nd century or earlier.
M. Artorius C. f. L. n. Sub. Silvanus
aka David Coleman
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And if you want to use it you'd either have to have an unbelieveable amount of patience or a good chunk of change because that stuff is crazy to make. The rings of the mail are on the order of 3.5mm in diameter, and the scales tiny too some as small as 7mm x 12mm, each connected to 4 rings of the mail. It's NOT just squamata scales wired to regular mail. For the hell of it I tried making a little bit and while the scales weren't so bad (save that I kept dropping and losing them), the mail is just HORRIBLE. Trying to punch a little hole for a rivet without splitting the metal- not a ton of fun. I can't IMAGINE doing it 30 THOUSAND times...
See FABRICA ROMANORVM Recreations in the Marketplace for custom helmets, armour, swords and more!
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Quote:For the hell of it I tried making a little bit and while the scales weren't so bad (save that I kept dropping and losing them), the mail is just HORRIBLE. Trying to punch a little hole for a rivet without splitting the metal- not a ton of fun. I can't IMAGINE doing it 30 THOUSAND times...
Some people just give up so easily.....
:wink:
TARBICvS/Jim Bowers
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Well I was planning on making a less authentic, larger, non-riveted version to begin with, probably with rings and scales about double the original's size.
I have already experimented with a variety of sizes of the Plumata, and using 1/4" ID rings with 3/4"x1" scales seems pretty reasonable. Though I might go a bit larger just to get one completed and see how it looks and wears and if there is anything I need to do differently.
M. Artorius C. f. L. n. Sub. Silvanus
aka David Coleman
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Because I don't want to make a Squamata, and whats wrong with making a Plumata that is twic the size of the historical example, using butted and solid punched rings? Many reenactors use butted rings, and allow rings larger than normal (like Legio XX here in the US for example, they allowrings with an OD of 1/2").
It will still be fairly accurate after all. The size ratios will still be approx the same, and I won't diverge that far from the historic example, like using galvanized materials.
M. Artorius C. f. L. n. Sub. Silvanus
aka David Coleman
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Oh I agree completely with what you say. But the difference is, the time and money needed to make the riveted rings is something I don't have at the moment. Doing it riveted will add to the time, and doing it of sufficiently small size will add even more time.
Plus doing it once will give me a greater idea of how to do it better, quicker and more authentic next time.
M. Artorius C. f. L. n. Sub. Silvanus
aka David Coleman
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I wish you the best of luck and hope you'll post pictures when you've finished it.
Do you think you'll feel like another run after you've finished that first shirt:-)?
Jef Pinceel
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But this is of course only a personal opinion.