05-19-2017, 03:45 PM
(05-19-2017, 03:13 AM).Crispvs Wrote: "The first century pugio is a lot slimmer then the third century ones now mostly on offer."
By no means all of them fit that description, although it is true that the 3rd Century pugios are normally much larger than those of the first and early second centuries AD. Using Scott's typology, type 'A' blades are often quite large and are generally broad with an upstanding midrib. Type 'B' blades tend to have a shape which narrows from the shoulders, runs parallel for a third to two fifths of the overall length, and then narrows to a sharp point. Whether or not they have this shape, type 'B' blades feature a pair of parallel grooves (or two pairs of parallel grooves), which defines a 'sunken' midrib. Type 'B' can be divided into two subtypes, namely type 'Bi' and type 'Bii'. Type 'Bi blades are broader, like the example from Xanten and tend to be larger overall, while type 'Bii' are narrower and often smaller overall, like most of the examples from Vindonissa. Mainly because of this, type 'B' sheath plates are also divided into types 'Bi' and 'Bii', although many 'Bi' pugios used type 'A' sheaths. Type 'C' blades tend to be shaped like narrow isocoles triangles and have an oval or lozenge shape cross section.
If Patrick is planning on making pugios which are unlike what is generally on the market (not that most of what is available is particularly accurate anyway), then I would suggest type B blades (of either type) and type 'B' sheaths to go with them, as these appear to have been just as common as type 'A' pugios and sheaths, but are almost entirely absent from modern reconstructions. I can supply plenty of pictures and advice, although you might want to practice your silver inlaying skills Patrick.
By the way, in answer to your question in the original post, the correct Latin plural of 'pugio' is 'pugiones'.
Crispvs
Thank you to all who are responding to this post.
I am currently gathering research on all of these blades. Presently leaning more towards the rat-tail tangs with the smaller size sword type Hilts. Until I figure out how to make the hilt plates and reproduce them in a small one man operation.
I am investigating how to apply enamals to brass and bronze as well as doing inlays. I want to be able to keep them affordable as I have with my swords. Which could prove to be a problem.
Here is a question... somewhere about a year ago I ran across and inlay process of adding a black material to brass. I cannot remember what it is called and because of that I cannot find the research. I want to say it started with an "n". Nel-something.... any clues?
