Quote:many are trying to read too much into these things from some having been found along with other things such as weapons.
Not at all Brian, at Vindonissa the belt set was wrapped around the sword. To me the association is clear and not at all tenuous. The button and loop fastener was directly incorporated into the belt system, not in loose association within the same archaeological context.
Arguing that the button and loop fastener has nothing to do with the sword belt is dubious to my mind, having read the archaeological report. I have difficulty in accepting that it has accidentally become wrapped up in the sword belt.
One might argue on practical grounds that the function of the button and loop fastener on the Vindonissa belt was not for sword suspension, but then an alternate explanation is required.
It could have served as an alternative to using a belt buckle, for example, but its there nonetheless!
If you haven't done so already, read
'A gladius with a relief decorated sheath and belt pieces from the legionary camp at Vindonissa by E. Deschler-Erb in Arma vol 10.
Also look at the publications on Vindonissa and Kalkriese that have already been cited. There are then further instances where button and loop fasteners occur with swords, though none so clear as the vindonissa example. If you are struggling to find these PM me and I will do my best to get you the info.
However I would agree with you on at least one point:
I imagine that the vast majority of button and loop fastenings, such as you have in your own collection, are nothing at all to do with sword belts.
In my opinion there is a distinct type of button and loop fastening that could be incorporated into sword belts. Relevant examples have been found at Windisch, Idria, Verdun and Magdalensburg.
I cannot however remember such specific examples occurring in the UK, where all the button and loop fasteners that I have seen are of different forms to the Windisch example, as you said likely clothes fasteners.
To me this suggests that the incorporation of a specific type of button and loop fastener into belt systems, unusual or not, likely fits into a limited time period, and perhaps limited geographical distribution.
Otherwise I fear we are perhaps reaching an impasse.
Maybe we must agree to disagree, no harm in that!!