Hanging straps on balteus?

[Magnus]

Thanks Demetrius and Matt, I figured for the $60 I paid for the belt, it was bound to have flaws, but with so few balteus that we know of, I feel that what a single balteus of a 250,000 man army could be up to interpretation in this case.

Be careful...such thoughts can lead to the dark side. Seriously...there are TONS of existing belt components, from buckles and plates, to frogs and apron studs. There simply isn't a need to get creative or stretch things when it comes to something we have ample evidence of (and believe me, I'm NOT the guy who is counting stitches). A cheaper, easier alternative would/could have been using simple, plain belt plates with a simple buckle from say...Raymond's Quiet Press. Plain studs and simple apron danglies...cost would have been less than $60 and 100% accurate. There are tons of finds from Vindonissa with plain belt components.

To me, the balteus is less of a make or break part of the costume. I know some of you disagree, and one day I would like to have a very high quality belt, but that day wont be for another few years. My centurio approved it, and if it means getting my first reenactment done this summer, I am willing to sacrifice total authenticity.

It's pretty important though, it was one of the distinguishing marks of a Legionary, AND something you wear in and out of armour. If your group leader approved it, so be it, but there are better options. Don't impulse by things...do some research or ask...we'll help you out!

I am certainly not questioning your expertise on Roman equipment Matt, I'll be the first to admit I am but a simple novice, but I am curious, are you aware of a certain original belt, of which this belt is based off of, and fails to meet certain criteria?

The plates look somewhat based on ones from Vindonissa, but that is loosley based at best. The rest of it...well, I'm no expert but I haven't seen anything like them. Sorry.