Mainz Calceus Reconstruction

[Martin Moser]

Ah, I think that I now see. I'm looking towards the inside back up from the sole, not down into the shoe.

Right!

The other piece of leather that I am seeing is the tongue.

If you are referring to the leather that fills the upper third of the pic, that actually is the inside of the vamp area. Of the tongue itself only a tiny bit where it is sewn to the vamp is visible.

[Neuraleanus]

If you are referring to the leather that fills the upper third of the pic, that actually is the inside of the vamp area. Of the tongue itself only a tiny bit where it is sewn to the vamp is visible.

Yes, I was referring to the tiny edge of leather that is visible in the upper third of the picture. I've heard the term "vamp" before. Definition?

[Martin Moser]

I've heard the term "vamp" before. Definition?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoe#Vamp.2C_or_upper

:-) )

[Marcus Mummius]

I don't know if it has been discussed before, but what would have been the reason to have the flesh side out on the Mainz calcei? What's the advantage in that?

vale,

[Martin Moser]

I don't know if it has been discussed before, but what would have been the reason to have the flesh side out on the Mainz calcei? What's the advantage in that?

Good question, but there is no real advantage or answer that I can think of besides aesthetics. All that remains is the fact that that is the way they reportedly were made.

[Marcus Mummius]

I don't know if it has been discussed before, but what would have been the reason to have the flesh side out on the Mainz calcei? What's the advantage in that?

Good question, but there is no real advantage or answer that I can think of besides aesthetics. All that remains is the fact that that is the way they reportedly were made.

I see. I would think that it's more difficult to keep the flesh side clean, as it's rougher. But it will be easier to get into the calcei while wearing wool udones when the smooth side is on the inside, as there is less grip/friction between the leather and the wool.

Vale,

[Florentius]

I realize I'm a couple years behind hear, I've sort of been out of the loop.
Martin, those are awsomely beautiful shoes :!: , and your pics and use of the real method of construction are absolutely impressive. I am re-inspired.

[Martin Moser]

Hi Jared,

glad to hear you like them :-) )

[Martin Moser]

Boy, time is passing fast! It's already more than 4 years since I last did these. Well I just finished another pair, a little variant this time if you will, 5 tabs instead of 4 to close the shoe and a different nailing pattern with a distinctive X , found with a sole in Castleford.



For a few more pics see http://sutor.jimdo.com/shoes/roman-shoes/mainz-calceus/