11-20-2012, 10:51 PM
Quote:I like the appearence and colors of the belt since too many impressions lack vivd colors...something I think the Romans relished. However, I am not aware of any belt from the 1st C that is inlaid with anything other than niello. I know later century items had colorful inlays. Of course, I could be wrong and any evidence to the contrary would be welcome since I too will make a cast belt and would prefer multiple colors instead of just black niello.
I also would like to mention that the craftsmanship of the belt is very good BUT to echo what Brian has mentioned, Roman pieces were made well BUT not perfect. To this end, the one Brian shows is a more realistic copy.
I would take some steel wool and rub down that belt so that its finish is more satin like. I believe that armor would have been shiny however the shine would be the natural luster of the metal which many times is a satiny type of finish when the metal is left in its natural state (unless of course silver is applied or tin which makes things more shiny). I think that if you dull down the shine, it will increase the realistic appearence. You could also use a small needle file and make some of the edges or decoration less perfect......purposely "damage" the work.
I have made things in the past and I too am guilty of being too perfect. So anytime that was the case, I would use steel wool and some small files to alter the perfect appearence.
Yeah, but as far as I know the Romans loved to polish thier armor. I read somewhere they had even polished it down as thin as paper in one find. Have to check my source on that.
Also, I think a master craftsman would be able to make a belt as precise as his, although it would be expensive.
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