Making Roman Officer\'s Hellenistic style boots

[AntonivsMarivsCongianocvs]

Ave,

I chose to base my boots on those worn by Julius Caesar (photo below). I received some design assistance with a sketch that was drawn by Gioi from here on RAT.... many thanks!



I do want to change the soles and add hobnails but... they're pretty much complete. I might have to cast flatter lion heads as well, the ones below pull the fur down as I walk with their weight and flatter would be more accurate.



Statue close up of Julius Caesar's boots.

[AntonivsMarivsCongianocvs]

My Roman Officer's boots began their life as a pair of knee high suede boots that laced on the sides so; this is more of a "customization" than actually "making" them from scratch.

I had to cut the height down to mid calf length, created a small thin template, and cut out the lacing gap in the front, punched holes, I added the white ornamental Hellenistic trim, red leather laces, red trim, I used imitation lion skin, and cast the lion head appliqués.



If you'd like to the details of how I customized the boots, I took many photos during the process here:
http://www.congiano.com/Extras/Recreati ... ots%20.htm

Above are just a few small images:

[Peroni]

Poor Garfield! :wink:

[Comerus Gallus]

Poor Garfield! :wink:  

Now that you said that.....?..... hahahahaha! yes the fur!... :lol:  



P.S. Anthony I'm not laughing at your boots,but for what Peronis said!

[AntonivsMarivsCongianocvs]

LOL! :lol:

[Peroni]

Excellent! :lol:

[Celtic505]

Amazing job Anthony!!!! It's great to see somebody else work on the equestrian cothrunus as I'm having trouble finding any reproduction examples available to work from, aside from the nix pair. But wow! I can't beleive how great they turned out! Can't wait to see your finished impression as a whole!!

[Celtic505]

wow am I missing a piece of my brain or what....I don't think I ever realized the band holding together the fur pelt on all of those statues was supposed to be the lace, I figured it was a separate piece! That clears up a lot than. :roll:

[Wes]

All I can say is Freakin WOW!!! Laudes! If you want to redo the soles, I have some 1/4 inch or thicker leather in the basement, I have a ton left from braiding leashes for our K-9 guys. Gimme a PM and I can get you enough for soles easy!

Again...WOW!

Wes

[AntonivsMarivsCongianocvs]

I don't think I ever realized the band holding together the fur pelt on all of those statues was supposed to be the lace, I figured it was a separate piece!

Ave,

In all honesty, depending on the boot, sometimes the lace is thick, sometimes thin and tied in the front and other times there is a separate ring-like piece with two rings and a clip where there appears to be a hollow tube (below).

Thin tie clearly visible:
[url:3fqdn6ul]http://img401.imageshack.us/my.php?image=herculesfoothugeks0.jpg[/url]


Tube like piece:

[Martin Moser]

Hi Anthony,

interesting work, congratulations! Looking at the originals, shouldn't you try and put the heads further upwards, they always seem to be portrayed as being quite close to the upper edge of the boot, right under the lacing?

[AntonivsMarivsCongianocvs]

...shouldn't you try and put the heads further upwards, they always seem to be portrayed as being quite close to the upper edge of the boot, right under the lacing?

Thanks!

Yup, you're correct on that one. Once I find flatter lion heads to cast from, I'll be sure to move them up. First, I have to get 'crackin' and finish up my sub armor but...

I'm heading over to see Van Halen tonight so my Roman stuff will have to wait until the weekend!