Late Roman baldrics

[John Conyard]

The stud method from Illerup and other burials does seem to be 3rd century. They would open up a world of interesting buckles and belt fittings, as well as interesting German hilt classifications. But all 3rd century!

This season I'm wearing a simple Oakeshott Type 1 hilt (200-700AD) made by a talented blacksmith in the group. Although the hilt is plain ash, they were generally organic, the blade is pattern welded which is nice. Anyway Oakeshott suggested that each of his four classifications of hilt came with it's own style of scabbard fittings and attachments. Type 1 are very simple, sometimes no more than material wrapped around the mouth. Type 2 and type 3 are gradually more elaborate. For this baldric I chose a migration style buckle and made it from ivory. You can still pick up bits of ivory on car boot sales. But in truth I see little reason why a Germanic style sword wouldn't be found in a Roman style scabbard with Roman buckles.